As Scotland prepares to take on France at the Stade de France this Saturday the visitors must be ready to face a formidable opponent brimming with strengths that have defined Les Bleus’ campaign this year. With France still in contention for the Six Nations title, Gregor Townsend’s squad will need to be at their absolute best to counter a French side that has consistently showcased its prowess in physicality, defensive resilience, and attacking flair. Here’s a breakdown of the dangers Scotland must navigate to emerge victorious in Paris.
A Powerhouse Forward Pack
France’s forward play has been a cornerstone of their success in 2025, and this year’s Six Nations has been no exception. Their demolition of Ireland in Dublin last weekend—a 42-27 victory on March 8—highlighted the sheer power of their pack. Led by captain Grégory Alldritt, the French forwards overwhelmed the Irish with relentless ball-carrying and a suffocating defensive effort that limited Ireland to just six points despite 22 entries into the French 22 during the first half. Players like Paul Boudehent, who scored a try against Ireland, and François Cros, whose tackling set the tone early, exemplify the physicality Scotland will confront.
This strength isn’t new. Since Fabien Galthié took over as head coach in 2020, France has transformed into a forward-dominated force, a trend that carried them to the 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam. In that campaign, they averaged around 120-130 rucks per game, showcasing their ability to dominate possession and territory through phase play. Against Scotland in 2023, France’s forwards paved the way for a 32-21 victory at the Stade de France, with their scrum and maul proving decisive. Scotland’s pack, while industrious with players like Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson, will need to match this intensity or risk being overpowered.
Defensive Steel
One of France’s standout attributes in 2025 has been their defensive resilience, a trait that has evolved into a weapon under Galthié. Against Ireland, they made 81 tackles to Ireland’s four in the opening 15 minutes, a statistic that underscores their ability to absorb pressure and turn it into opportunity. Cros’ turnover in that match shifted momentum, while their double-teaming in defense slowed Ireland’s phase play to a crawl. This wasn’t a one-off—France’s 43-0 thrashing of Wales on January 31, 2025, saw them keep a clean sheet for the first time against the Welsh since 1998, a testament to their disciplined structure.
Historically, France has bolstered this defensive edge in recent years. Since 2022, they’ve lost just one of their last 11 away games in the Six Nations, winning six of seven, thanks in part to a defense that concedes an average of only 19 points per game in the championship over that span. Scotland, who rely on quick ball and tempo through Finn Russell and Ben White, will find their rhythm tested by a French line that rarely cracks under pressure.
Clinical Attack and Star Power
When France transitions from defense to attack, their clinical finishing becomes a nightmare for opponents. The 2025 Six Nations has seen their backline fire on all cylinders, with wingers Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey scoring five tries between them in four matches so far. Penaud’s try against Ireland came from a swift counter-attack, while Bielle-Biarrey’s brace showcased France’s ability to exploit space with pace and precision. Full-back Thomas Ramos, with his reliable boot and playmaking, has added 51 points, including a perfect a 4 conversion kicking performance against Wales.
This attacking potency is a continuation of recent trends. In the 2022 Grand Slam, France scored 17 tries across five matches, with Penaud and Antoine Dupont leading the charge. Even without Dupont, who limped off against Ireland and whose status for Saturday remains uncertain, scrum-half Maxime Lucu stepped up seamlessly, orchestrating play with composure. Scotland’s back three—Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, and Duhan van der Merwe—will need to be flawless in positioning to counter France’s ability to turn broken play into points.
Bench Impact and Tactical Flexibility
France’s bench has proven to be a game-changer in 2025, a factor Scotland must account for late in the match. Galthié’s decision to opt for a 7-1 forward-heavy split against Ireland paid dividends, with replacements like Julien Marchand and Paul Boudehent maintaining momentum after Dupont’s exit. This depth allows France to sustain their physical edge, a stark contrast to Scotland’s 6-2 split, which leans on forwards like Marshall Sykes and Ben Muncaster but lacks the same proven impact.
In recent tournaments, France’s substitutes have consistently swung tight contests. Their 2023 Six Nations win over Scotland (32-21) saw bench players like Yoram Moefana stretch the defense in the final quarter. With Scotland potentially fatigued from facing France’s starters, the French reserves could exploit any cracks that emerge after the hour mark.
Big Stakes and Home Advantage
France enters this match with everything to play for. Sitting atop the Six Nations table after four rounds, a bonus-point win over Scotland could secure their first title since 2022, depending on results elsewhere. The Stade de France, where they’ve won their last three Six Nations home games, amplifies their threat. The hostile crowd and familiar turf have historically fueled Les Bleus—since 2022, they’ve lost just once at home in the championship, a 13-10 defeat to Ireland in 2024.
Scotland, meanwhile, hasn’t won in Paris since 1999, a 36-22 victory in the Five Nations. Their recent trips have ended in defeat, including a 16-13 loss in 2021 despite a valiant effort. Overcoming this historical hurdle against a French side firing on all cylinders will require a monumental performance.
For Scotland to upset France this weekend, they’ll need to neutralise the French forwards’ power, breach their defensive wall, and contain a backline that thrives on opportunity. France’s strengths in 2025—physical dominance, defensive tenacity, and clinical attacking play—echo their form in recent tournaments, making them a juggernaut at their peak, and at their peak they appear to be. Townsend’s men have shown resilience, as in their win over Wales last week, but the Stade de France presents a different beast. If France brings their A-game, Scotland could be in for a long night under the Paris lights.
