'One more week to finish job' - Tuipulotu eyes unlikely Six Nations title

ByGeorge O'Neill

BBC Sport Scotland

Scotland have "one more week to finish the job" as they target an unlikely Six Nations triumph, says captain Sione Tuipulotu.

Gregor Townsend's side ended France's Grand Slam hopes with an exhilarating seven-try victory at Murrayfield to go level on points with Les Blues at the top of the championship.

They go to Dublin next weekend knowing a win over Ireland gives them a chance of a first title since 1999 before the French host England later in the day.

For 65 minutes on Saturday, Scotland destroyed one of the best teams in the world. They carved through the bedraggled French defence again and again and again.

Darcy Graham scored twice, as did opposite wing Kyle Steyn. Pierre Schoeman, the effervescent Ben White and Tom Jordan also crossed as the usually unflappable French floundered.

The returning Jack Dempsey was outstanding and, until a late French rally snatched a bonus point, Scotland stood alone at the top of the table.

It was a position few, if any, would have predicted for Townsend's side after their opening defeat by Italy last month.

"Considering how this tournament started for us, we believe now the tournament is not over," Tuipulotu said. "We've got ourselves an opportunity next week

"I could not be prouder to be captain of this team. We stuck together after a tough autumn and a tough first round and have given ourselves one more job to do next week. One more week to finish the job."

Scotland had never previously reached 40 points against France, let alone 50. It was an unforgettable afternoon for everyone of a Scottish persuasion at Murrayfield.

"I don't think anyone thought it would be 50-40," former Scotland captain John Barclay said on BBC One.

"Scotland had to be brave. They came with a clear plan and were unbelievably good. They made a really good French team look average in large parts of the game."

France have made a habit of starting quickly in this tournament, but it was Scotland who flew out of the blocks at the start of both halves.

Their relentless pressure forced mistakes. Dupont gifted Steyn his second try and an uncharacteristic forward pass from the French superstar inside his own dead-ball area led to Jordan's score.

And Townsend highlighted the way his side kept attacking, even with a healthy lead.

"It was a brilliant day," the head coach told the BBC. "Not just the rugby we played, but the mindset to keep attacking.

"A lot of teams would sit on that lead against France. But we know the best way of winning is playing like what got us that success in the first half.

"Our game is built to put some of our best strike players in the game into space and they built phase after phase and grew in confidence."

It would be easy to look back on the Italy defeat as a what-if, but Townsend insists that result has fuelled the three straight wins since.

"You need painful moments and defeat to make you the team you're going to be," he said. "Italy is part of the journey."

Scotland and Ireland play first (14:10 GMT) next weekend, before France host England in the final match of the tournament (20:10).

A bonus-point win would mean the French need the same to deny them.

But Ireland, too, could still claim the title with a victory of their own and a favourable result in Paris.

Former Scotland back row Johnnie Beattie believes Townsend's team will cross the Irish Sea with confidence after a "joyous" display.

"Scotland are now taking it to super Saturday and they are worthy winners," he said. "That was joyous to watch. Scottish rugby, on days like that, is phenomenal to be part of. Just remarkable."

Graham now stands alone as Scotland's all-time leading try-scorer, having claimed his 36th and 37th international scores.

He too believes Scotland can end their nine-year, 11-match winless run against the Irish.

"Yeah of course [we can win in Dublin], confidence is right up there, everyone is loving life, it would be nice to go over to Ireland and get that win. It's all to play for," the Edinburgh winger said.

"That game was crazy - a 90-point game. You know what they're like, such a big unit, such a quality team and knew what they'd bring today and we did well to stop it.

"It's a special win for us."

BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast

07/03/26