The 2021 6 Nations draws to a close this evening as France face Scotland at the Stade de France in Paris, knowing that a big win is required if they are to snatch the title from Wales.
Following the controversial postponement of the original fixture (which had been due to take place on the third weekend of the tournament – 28th February), the Scots also travel to Paris with the hope of securing second place, their best-ever result in the 6 Nations.
There are various title permutations ahead of the final match:
A reminder of just how each team can WIN the #GuinnessSixNations đ pic.twitter.com/V1CotvL0n2
â Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 26, 2021
Both France and Scotland have averaged 3.75 tries over the course of their four matches so far, and each boasts a strong defence. Scotland’s is statistically the best of the tournament while France’s defence has been revolutionised by the arrival of Sean Edwards.
Of course, it’s not the first time France have had to chase a big victory margin over Scotland on the final weekend of the 6 Nations. A similar thing happened in 2007 after Ireland racked up a strong 51-24 victory over Italy earlier on the final day.
France had stumbled through the first half against the Scots in Paris but a stunning second period yielded enough points (they needed to win by 24 points or more) to secure the title.
The French side back then enjoyed a similar type of attacking squad as they do now, while Scotland lacked in that department. Today’s Scotland is a completely different side and poses far more attacking danger than they used to.
If both sides perform to their maximum potential this evening, it is sure to be a thrilling end-to-end match to conclude one of the most open 6 Nations in recent years.
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