France hold off home team Scotland for controversial Six Nations win

Scotland thought they had snatched victory at the death but the video referee could not find conclusive proof to overturn referee Nic Berry's on-field call of no try after adjudging the ball not to have been grounded by Rory Darge over the line.

Les Bleus were far from their brilliant best but did enough to ease the pressure on coach Fabien Galthie after a 38-17 thrashing by Ireland on the opening weekend of the championship.

Scotland were left to reflect on letting another opportunity slip by as, on top of the late drama, they also failed to score a point when France were down to 14 men either side of half-time as Uini Antonio was sent to the sin bin.

France captain Gregory Alldritt said his side would be fuelled by the "car crash" of their display against Ireland, but this was another error-strewn display by the side ranked fourth in the world.

Gregor Townsend was forced into a late change before kick-off as Kyle Steyn dropped out to attend the birth of his child, handing Harry Paterson his debut at full-back.

The Edinburgh man had a big part to play in the first try of the game as his pass inside was collected by Huw Jones, who popped it off to Ben White, who had just enough momentum to carry two French tacklers over the line.

Thomas Ramos slotted over a penalty in response.

The visitors were then furious as Gael Fickou scythed through the heart of the Scottish defence only to be brought down by what could have been deemed a high tackle by Duhan van der Merwe, who then stole possession on the Scottish line to rub salt into French wounds.

Scotland's ill-discipline was a major factor in a near collapse in Cardiff last weekend from a 27-0 lead to cling on 27-26 against Wales.

However, it was Townsend's team who were