PARIS, 16 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – France full-back Thomas Ramos delivered a stellar performance, scoring 20 points as Les Bleus overwhelmed Scotland 35-16 at the Stade de France on Saturday to secure the Six Nations title.
Following England’s record-breaking 68-14 thrashing of Wales earlier in Cardiff, France needed a victory with a bonus point to lift the championship. They accomplished just that, running in four tries in a dominant display.
Ramos’ tally included a try as part of a blistering 19-point surge within 20 minutes after half-time, sealing France’s second championship in four years, though they fell short of a Grand Slam due to their earlier loss to England in round two.
“Our objective tonight was to lift the trophy, and we have achieved that,” said France captain Grégory Alldritt to France Télévisions. “We have had painful moments in the past, so we must savour these victories.”
Despite flashes of brilliance from their British and Irish Lions hopefuls, including full-back Blair Kinghorn and fly-half Finn Russell, Scotland finished fourth in the table after suffering their third defeat of the tournament.
Tactical Adjustments and First-Half Exchanges
France coach Fabien Galthié was forced into making two changes to the side that convincingly defeated title-holders Ireland the previous weekend. Scrum-half Maxime Lucu replaced the injured Antoine Dupont, while centre Gaël Fickou stepped in for Pierre-Louis Barassi.
Scotland’s Gregor Townsend also made key alterations, handing lock Gregor Brown his Six Nations debut and recalling Matt Fagerson at No. 8 following last weekend’s hard-fought victory over Wales.
In a packed Stade de France, the loudest cheer of the opening 10 minutes was reserved for Antoine Dupont, who appeared on the big screen, a week after sustaining a serious knee injury against Ireland.
France dominated the early exchanges, racing to a 10-0 lead. Yoram Moefana touched down for the first try, with Ramos adding a penalty and conversion while Scotland’s Jamie Ritchie was in the sin bin.
However, the home side soon found themselves down to 14 men when hooker Peato Mauvaka was shown a yellow card for a headbutt on scrum-half Ben White. Scotland capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Russell reducing the deficit with a penalty before Ramos restored the 10-point lead.
With Mauvaka still off the field, Russell orchestrated a well-worked attack, setting up winger Darcy Graham for a crucial try. His successful conversion narrowed the gap to 13-10, before another penalty levelled the score just before half-time.
Ramos edged France back in front with a penalty three minutes from the interval, though Scotland had a chance to lead going into the break, only for Kinghorn to be ruled in touch in the build-up to Tom Jordan’s disallowed try.
Second-Half Domination and Record-Breaking Ramos
France took control early in the second half, effectively quashing Scotland’s hopes. Winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey latched onto a loose ball following a Graham knock-on to score, equalling the record for most tries in a single Five or Six Nations campaign with his eighth.
Ramos converted, pushing France 10 points clear with 35 minutes remaining. Galthié then introduced five of his seven forwards from the bench, a tactical move that paid off immediately.
France’s rolling maul soon yielded another breakthrough, with Ramos himself crossing the line before slotting the conversion to make it 30-16. With the Stade de France crowd in full voice, the home side tightened their grip on the game.
A second Moefana try in the closing stages, following a pinpoint pass from Fickou, confirmed France’s triumph, marking their seventh Six Nations title.
“It was the icing on the cake to surpass Fred’s record,” said Ramos, who overtook Frédéric Michalak’s all-time Six Nations points tally of 436 with his haul against Scotland. “I’m immensely proud, but my main goal will always be winning trophies with the team.”
Historical Context and Future Prospects
France’s victory cements their reputation as one of world rugby’s dominant forces, though their upcoming summer tour of New Zealand poses a new challenge. With potential squad restrictions due to the Top 14 final, Galthié may have to field a significantly altered side against the All Blacks.
Meanwhile, Scotland will look to build on promising performances in this tournament, with several of their stars vying for spots in the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of Australia later this year.
France’s Six Nations title is a testament to the depth and resilience they have developed under Galthié’s tenure, and with the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, they continue to shape themselves into serious contenders on the global stage.
