Finn Russell tries to play scrum-half in Ali Price's absence, but his box-kick flies out on the full and France will have the lineout.

Scotland need the half-time whistle here.

Another penalty goes France's way - that's the ninth of the half, and Jamie Ritchie is told in no uncertain terms by Nic Berry that Scotland are in danger of losing another man to the bin.

France are really turning the screw, roared on by the home crowd.

France took a penalty quickly, Ali Price didn't retreat the necessary 10 yards, and is duly shown a yellow card.

The home crowd are furious as replays show that the try that wasn't should have stood - the assistant referee incorrectly flagged for a foot in touch.

Antoine Dupont thinks he's scored for France, but the whistle went long before he streaked away.

However, Ali Price infringed in the build-up, and will be in bother here...

We've had a few rest scrums now in the centre of the park, as Nic Berry talks to props about things that only props understand.

While we wait, here's a couple of shots from the breathless action we've seen so far.

It's been rugby of the very highest class and intensity.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Another penalty goes the way of France, which Thomas Ramos knocks through the posts.

Jamie Ritchie is told by referee Nic Berry that the next infringement will result in a yellow card, but the Scotland captain will just be happy to escape without conceding a try.

Pierre Schoeman goes to ground under pressure from Cyril Baille, and France kick another penalty to the corner.

Can Scotland keep them out?

The ball goes forward, and Scotland will have a chance to clear if they can navigate the upcoming scrum.

Richie Gray is pinged for coming into a ruck from the side to clear out Gregory Alldritt, and France are able to release some pressure.

Another decision goes the way of the hosts, and suddenly they have a lineout inside Scotland's 22.

Through it goes, just sneaking inside the right-hand post, and Scotland's lead is back up to seven points.

There's steam coming off my keyboard here - relentless stuff, it really is.

Scotland win a penalty in French territory, and this time, Finn Russell calls for his kicking tee...

Scotland and restarts, eh?

They concede a penalty from kick-off that France full-back Thomas Ramos knocks through the posts.

A breathless start.

Andy Burke
BBC Scotland rugby reporter in Saint Etienne

The atmosphere has been off the scale tonight, but when Kyle Steyn went over for that try you could have heard a pin drop. The French fans were not expecting that explosive Scottish start.

In this heat and in this hostile environment it was imperative the Scots started well, and what a start it was!

Scotland have started brightly here, keen to throw the ball around.

Finn Russell is in his element out there, and he launches a perfectly-judged cross-field kick that just stays infield and bounces into the arms of Duhan van der Merwe.

Scotland's giant winger can't quite get away to score, but Scotland earn a penalty that Russell kicks to the corner.

Big chance...

Blair Kinghorn kicks high into the night sky, and we are off...

The contrast in noise between Flower of Scotland and La Marseillaise is stark.

There's 40,000 passionate French rugby fans packed in here, on a Saturday night, on the eve of a home World Cup.

They're bang up for this, and understandably so.

It was Scotland who started slowly last week, and while Gregor Townsend praised his side's fighting qualities post-match, he will know that they cannot afford to give teams head-starts at the World Cup.

Can they come out firing tonight? We'll soon find out - the players are out in Saint Etienne...

Image source, Getty Images