France vs Wales LIVE rugby: Updates and build-up from Six Nations 2023 clash in Paris
(AFP via Getty Images)
Wales have endured the most dramatic of Six Nations off the pitch but if they can finish with a win over France in Paris, then it will turn a horror show on the field into something more acceptable.
Amid all the drama of the threatened players strike ahead of the England game, Wales endured a nightmare start to Warren Gatland’s tenure with three straight defeats, but victory over Italy in Rome last time out will have buoyed Welsh fans.
France, who just demolished England and are the No 2 side in the world, are undoubtedly a huge step up but with many of their veteran stars playing in what is presumed to be their final Six Nations match, Gatland’s troops will have plenty of motivation.
For their part, Les Bleus can still win the title – although it will require an unlikely favour in Dublin from an England side still reeling from last weekend’s obliteration at Twickenham – but even if the trophy eludes them, Fabien Galthie’s men will be keen to head into a home World Cup later this year with four wins from five in the championship.
Follow live coverage from the Stade de France below after the conclusion of Scotland vs Italy:
Scotland 19-14 Italy, 77 minutes
Italy’s forwards power into the Scottish fringe defence, getting little joy. Wide, Juan Ignacio Brex tumbles as he takes…but Scotland are offside.
Penalty to the visitors. Five points, three minutes. What’s the call? Marco Manfredi will quick tap…
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:16
Scotland 19-14 Italy, 76 minutes
A break up the right from Pierre Bruno, and Italy win a penalty. Prodded into the corner with four minutes left. This feels very, very like Cardiff last year.
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:14
Scotland 19-14 Italy, 74 minutes
Tommmaso Allan’s smartly taken score and a Paolo Garbisi penalty leave Italy within striking distance as they seek another famous final day Six Nations triumph:
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:13
Scotland 19-14 Italy, 73 minutes
But can’t pounce as Matt Fagerson knocks on! A slightly needless pass from WP Nel, who has space in front of him to rumble but instead fizzes in the direction of the replacement back-row, who is taken man-and-ball and spills forward.
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:12
Scotland 19-13 Italy, 73 minutes
Italy’s second debutant of the day is introduced – welcome to international rugby, Marco Manfredi, with the hooker tasked with throwing a lineout inside his own 22 immediately.
And Scotland steal it!…
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:11
Scotland 19-14 Italy, 72 minutes
More replacements come on, WP Nel on the Scottish tighthead and Marco Zanon in the Italian backline.
Ben Healy’s up-and-under is tapped back into Scottish hands. Ali Price twice makes smart decisions, directing his box kicks towards the touchline nicely, with the second of them hopping into touch.
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:10
Scotland 19-14 Italy, 69 minutes
A mighty smite from Federico Ruzza to earn Italy a penalty! The danger klaxons begin to sound for the visitors as Scotland swell again after Price’s scamper, but a carrier is rocked back by the lock, making his 18th tackle and earning a penalty as Scotland dive off their feet to protect the ball.
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:08
Scotland 19-13 Italy, 68 minutes
Ali Price breaks away! A brilliant Italian turnover inside the Scotland 22 but a loose offload allows the repalcement Scotland scrum-half to snatch the ball out of the sky and hurry out of danger.
He’s eventually hauled in by Tommaso Allan deep inside the Italy half.
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:06
Scotland 19-14 Italy, 68 minutes
Scotland need to re-energise both themselves and the crowd, with the home side having lost their way almost entirely since Blair Kinghorn’s second score.
Now this could be a significant moment – a switch at fly-half, with Ben Healy on for his Scotland debut and tasked with seeing things out. Kinghorn remains on, moving to full-back with Ollie Smith replaced.
Cameron Redpath takes over from Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre.
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:05
PENALTY! Scotland 19-14 ITALY (Paolo Garbisi penalty, 66 minutes)
Paolo Garbisi takes over kicking duties from Tommaso Allan, with the angle favouring his left boot. Garbisi’s first strike of the day is clean, and Italy are within a single score.
Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2023 14:03