Scotland defeated France 28-17 at Murrayfield to end the French hopes of winning their first grand slam for 10 years.
Two tries either side of half time from winger Sean Maitland along with another added from hooker Stuart McInally helped the Scots record just their second loss of the Six Nations.
Tight head prop Mohamed Haouas got sent off for France in the first half following a punch on Scotland’s Jamie Ritchie.
France were always on the back foot following the red card but did manage to score a try just three minutes from time through captain Charles Ollivon but it was nothing more than a consolation.
Adam Hastings opened the scores in Edinburgh with two successful penalties in the opening 20 minutes.
Damian Penaud did briefly put France ahead with a brilliant run before Matthieu Jalibert converted to make it 6-7.
Just three minutes later came the game changing moment when an altercation between the two sides resulted in Haouas punching Ritchie leading to the subsequent red card for the French prop.
The penalty from the sending off was scored and then Scotland made their man advantage count with a try just before half time through Maitland to make the score 14-7 at half time.
Maitland then added his second try of the contest in the 45th minute after Sam Johnson sent the winger down the right to add another for the Scots with Hastings scoring a touchline conversion to make the scores 21-7.
Scotland’s third try of the afternoon came through McInally with Hastings adding another conversion to all but finish the game.
France did have something to celebrate with a penalty and converted try late in the contest from Charles Ollivon to make the scores 28-17.
The defeat leaves France still chasing their first grand slam in 10 years and now they stay in second place following England’s victory yesterday with both sides on 13 points.
