England were denied the Six Nations title on Saturday after France defeated Scotland in the final clash of the tournament. And former Scotland back row Johnnie Beattie has given his verdict on an “error” from Finn Russell that may have cost the Red Roses the title.
With France leading 16-13 in the early stages of the second half, Scotland fly-half Russell raced towards the France 22. He then attempted to flick the ball out of the back of his hand to Darcy Graham. But his pass landed on the floor, with Romain Ntamack picking up the loose ball and racing clear before teeing up Louis Bille-Biarrey to cross the whitewash for the home side.
The try was converted as France extended their lead to 23-13. And they soon ran away with the contest as they claimed maximum points courtesy of a 35-16 victory to finish one point ahead of England at the top of the Six Nations table.
“I think what’s maddening is that up until that point I think Scotland were right in the game,” Beattie told ITV as he discussed the incident. “Scotland were also on the front foot and one error has taken all the wind out of their sails.
“The game has flipped on that moment. And then the power comes in and Scotland can’t get back into the game. But up until that point they were right in it.”
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Former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar then explained: “I think that’s something that’s forced and that sometimes happens when you’re not converting enough of your visits into points.
“I suppose the question is, ‘Are Scotland fans happy with the amount of risks that Finn Russell takes for the brilliant stuff?’ Nobody in the rugby world will say Finn Russell isn’t a brilliant, brilliant rugby player.
“But I suppose the question is how many risks can you take in big Six Nations matches and them not come off. I suppose that’s a question that only Scottish management, players, teams and supporters can answer.”
England had stormed to the top of the Six Nations table hours before France and Scotland went head-to-head at the Stade de France after inflicting a 68-14 defeat on Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
But France ultimately finished ahead of Steve Borthwick’s men at the top of the standings, despite losing to England earlier in the Six Nations.
France and England both won four of their five matches throughout the tournament, but France claimed an extra bonus point to land their first title since 2022.