Scotland suffer Six Nations battering as France put in dominant Murrayfield showing

Scotland suffered more Six Nations heartache after being hit for six by France who maintained their Grand Slam ambitions in emphatic fashion.

A first win at Murrayfield for Les Bleus in this tournament came through a half dozen tries to leave Gregor Townsend 's side with the tag as also-rans after making it back-to-back losses after going down to Wales a fortnight ago.

It was another disappointing dose of reality for the dark blues who were torn apart by waves of French attacking brilliance and it's now back to the drawing board with Italy next up in two weeks time.

Scotland' s tag as the most penalised side in the competition showed no sign of improving as they conceded a seventh minute penalty for holding on but Melvyn Jaminet inexplicably kicked wide from between the posts but two minutes later they put points on the board. It was a French try which displayed all of their attacking power, pace and flair as Paul Willemse finished off a flowing move for their first try and Jaminet this time made no mistake with the extras.

Finn Russell's penalty moments later opened Scotland's account but it was Les Bleus who once more surged forward and filleted the home defence for a second try and again it was an awesome break which ended with Yoram Moefana bulldozing himself over in the corner but Jaminet was again wide with the conversion attempt.

Make no mistake, it was an exhibition of offloading of the highest order and Scotland were nine points behind to a side displaying confidence in all areas of their play.

A period of exerted Scottish pressure provided optimism of finding a way to breach a huge French pack and a thrilling 25th minute surge forward by Duhan van der Merwe almost sent him clear but he was dragged to the