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France host Scotland on Friday night chasing the Six Nations title.
Following the dramatic, last-gasp win over Wales last Saturday, Fabien Galthie’s side can win the championship – and deny the Welsh – with the right combination of result and winning margin.
The Stade de France clash, delayed because of a coronavirus outbreak in Les Bleus’ camp last month, will see the hosts start as overwhelming favourites.
And the odds are not favourable for Wales, given that France have beaten Scotland in all ten previous Six Nations meetings in Paris.
Here’s all you need to know:
What do France and Wales need to win?
France need a bonus-point victory and winning margin of 21 points or more to pip Wales to the post.
If France win in bonus-point fashion and take the match by exactly 20 points, it will come down to tournament try-count between Les Bleus and Wales.
Anything less – or Scotland win or draw – and Wayne Pivac’s men prevail.
What is the current try count?
Wales have currently scored five tries more than France, and should overall points totals, the countries’ points differences and try-counts finish level, then this season’s Six Nations title will be shared.
Pivac’s team have scored more tries and points than in any other Six Nations campaign, yet they must now hope that France come up short.
What have France said?
“We can’t get caught up in the high stakes. The key is to play well and win, the rest will depend on how the match goes,” said head coach Galthie said.
“We shouldn’t lose sight of what we need to do. What’s most important is to focus on our performance and victory, our ability to build a win.
“But (Scotland) also have their ambitions because if they win by eight points they will finish second, which hasn’t happened to them for a long time.
“The Scots have the best defence in the championship. They are very well-organised, well-disciplined and well-established in defence. They are the best in this sector so far.”
What have Scotland said?
“A lot’s been said, and it’s beginning to hack me off, about them needing 21 points to win the title,” said full-back Stuart Hogg said. “And I saw someone from their camp talking about them playing for the trophy.
“As a proud Scotsman that hurt me a lot.
“A lot’s been said about what they need to do. But if we win by eight points we secure our highest ever Six Nations finish. So that’s the motivation.”
What have Wales said?
“It is just desperately frustrating,” Wales head coach Pivac said. “The players got so close and yet so far. It is a tough time for them.
“We have to be proud of the performance, proud of the effort they have put in throughout the championship, and now we go away and wait to see the outcome of next Friday’s game.
“To go from potentially a Grand Slam performance to sitting back and waiting is frustrating, but there is nothing we can do now except sit back and watch that game.”
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