France end Scotland's Six Nations Grand Slam hopes

PARIS :France ended Scotland's hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam with a 32-21 victory in a high-octane, nail-biting clash with both sides reduced to 14 men early on at the Stade de France on Sunday.

Gael Fickou gave the defending champions a bonus point with a last-minute try to add to those of Romain Ntamack, Ethan Dumortier and Thomas Ramos, who kicked the rest of the points.

Scotland, who defended ferociously and came close to overturning a 19-0 deficit, scored with two tries from Huw Jones and the boot of Finn Russell, who also added a try as the visitors recovered from a woeful start.

They had lock Grant Gilchrist sent off after seven minutes, six minutes before France prop Mohamed Haouas was also shown a red card.

Fabien Galthie's side were looking to bounce back from their defeat against Ireland, their first in their last 15 tests, and while they managed to get back to their winning ways, they did not appear as invincible as in 2022.

Scotland, after wins against England and Wales, will now look to stay in contention for the title when they take on unbeaten Ireland while France will travel to England.

Les Bleus went through the phases early on and Ntamack touched down wide after the forwards had worn down the Scottish defence.

Gilchrist then made a direct shoulder contact with Anthony Jelonch's face and was sent off after referee Nika Amashukeli saw a "high degree of danger" in the move.

RISK-TAKING

Dumortier went over shortly afterwards on the from the left wing to put France 12-0 up, only for Haouas to be shown a red card in the 13th minute for a head-first charge at Ben White's head.

It spurred Scotland into action, but Les Bleus were more clinical as Ramos intercepted a long pass from Russell in for the hosts' third try