Scots face 'biggest challenge in world rugby' v France

Guinness Six Nations 2025: France v Scotland

When: Saturday, 15 March 2025 Kick-off: 20:00 GMT Venue: Stade de France, Paris

Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland Extra & BBC Sounds, live text coverage and highlights on BBC Sport app & website.

Gregor Townsend says facing title-chasing France in the Six Nations in Paris on Saturday is "probably the biggest challenge right now in world rugby".

The French put in a stunning display to thrash Ireland in round four as the Scots held off a late Wales fightback to secure a bonus-point win of their own at Murrayfield.

That victory in Dublin has put France in the box seat, knowing any victory over the Scots at the Stade de France will see them win the championship.

"I think when you put all the factors together, the French team at home are always a huge challenge," said Townsend.

"The way they're playing, even in their defeat they scored a lot of points and could have scored a number more at Twickenham.

"They're playing a game of rugby that's really producing points and scores. They're physical, they're bringing a fresh pack on at some stage in the second half and they're going for the title.

"It's a great game to go up against one of the best teams in the world at home."

Gregor Brown and Matt Fagerson replace the benched Jonny Gray and injured Jack Dempsey in the Scotland starting team for Paris.

Brown starts in the second row while number eight Fagerson joins prop brother Zander in the starting 15, with Dempsey ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Lock Marshall Sykes, back-rower Ben Muncaster and versatile back Jamie Dobie come into the squad as replacements.

The Scots have two wins so far in this year's championship - against Italy and Wales - and sit fourth in the standings.

Townsend says his team must be ready to embrace what is sure to be a fever-pitch atmosphere at the Stade de France, with the French fans coming in full expectation of seeing their side win the Six Nations for the first time since 2022.

"We're aware of the context of the game," added Townsend.

"The atmosphere will be amazing. We've experienced the atmospheres during the World Cup. We played France in a World Cup warm-up game and that was a pretty special atmosphere.

"We've played at Stade de France in the past and this will be even more heightened because of what's at stake for France. To be involved in that game is great.

"It's now just about focusing on our game and bringing that out for as long as we can and beyond. Pushing ourselves physically and being together throughout that 80 minutes. That's going to be very important."

'Ferocious France brings new dimension to Scottish task'

Scotland's last tango in the Six Nations comes in Paris - a place where they went close but not close enough two years ago. That was an outstanding effort, but what's required on Saturday is a task of a different dimension. France were okay back then, they're utterly ferocious now.

Scotland need more dynamism and athleticism in the second row and Gregor Brown, making his first Six Nations start, has a chance of providing it.

Jack Dempsey being out is a blow. Dempsey has the dog needed in such a massive Test and was terrific against Wales. Ben Muncaster is on the bench, which is a reflection of his own capacity to run hard and bring a nasty edge.

The more attrition the better against a French team that Gregor Townsend says is the biggest challenge in world rugby right now. Scotland go 6-2 on the bench in preparation for the scary might of the French forward onslaught.

Scotland line-up

Scotland: Kinghorn, Graham, Jones, Jordan, Van der Merwe; Russell (co-captain), White; Schoeman, Cherry, Z Fagerson, Brown, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Darge (co-captain), M Fagerson

Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Hurd, J Gray, Sykes, Muncaster, Dobie, McDowall.