France impress on the way to dominant win in Scotland

Gael Fickou's try on the stroke of half-time proved the decisive blow as France cemented their position at the top of the Guinness Six Nations table with a commanding 36-17 win away to Scotland. Against the only side that they had not beaten in the Championship under Fabien Galthié, Les Bleus did not have it all their own way. In fact Scotland could have led shortly before half-time, but for a ball escaping Stuart Hogg's grasp on a brilliant counter-attack.

Ad/> That came as Scotland trailed 12-10, but instead of taking the lead, Fickou went over before the interval and France were able to pull away after the break as they made a statement of intent. RugbySmith kicks England to victory after Wales fightback15 HOURS AGO Overall, this was a dominant performance from France, who ran in six tries in all, Paul Willemse and Yoram Moefana going over for two early wonder scores. Despite Rory Darge's first Test try, Fickou's score allowed the visitors to lead 19-10 at the interval before Jonathan Danty got the bonus point right after half-time.

Damian Penaud then added another as France showed how deadly they could be on counter-attacking ball before he collected Romain Ntamack's cross-kick to add a second. Duhan van der Merwe's score at the death was slim consolation, a very different scenario to his match-winner in Paris a year ago with the final play. With three wins from three, France remain in Grand Slam contention ahead of a trip to Cardiff in Round 4.