France Close to Title

France close to title with 46-19 win over Scotland

France all but retained their Six Nations title by crushing Scotland 46-19 in their final match in the tournament at the Stade de France on Saturday. Ireland's 51-24 demolition of Italy earlier on Saturday in Rome left France needing to beat Scotland by a margin of at least 24 points and a late try by Elvis Vermeulen, which required video assistance, enabled them to do it.

Only England can now deprive France of their third crown in four years but seem unlikely to do so, having to beat Wales by a margin of at least 57 points later on Saturday in Cardiff.

Six tries and 16 points from the boot of flyhalf Lionel Beauxis proved enough for France, whose grand slam hopes had been shattered by a 26-18 defeat by England at Twickenham last Sunday.

Scotland managed three tries, through wingers Nikki Walker and Sean Lamont and prop Euan Murray, captain Chris Paterson adding two conversions.