Key areas for Scotland against champions France

Key areas for Scotland against champions France By Thomas Duncan BBC Sport Scotland Published 1 hour ago When undefeated France visit Murrayfield on Saturday in the penultimate round of the Six Nations, every facet of Scotland's game will be tested. The rampant defending champions are the only side still chasing a Grand Slam after swatting aside Ireland, Wales, and Italy so far, and Scotland and England are the sides left who can stop them. A win for Gregor Townsend's side would not only halt that but would put themselves in a position to win a first ever Six Nations title on the final weekend when they go to Dublin. So what are the key areas Scotland simply have to get right at Murrayfield? Scotland v France Six Nations 2026 Saturday 7 March, 14:10 GMT Watch on iPlayer Listen on Sounds The aerial battle A key area of Test rugby since the escort rule was changed, France have dominated every opponent in the air so far. Not only have they booted the ball the most of any side in the Six Nations, but they have retained possession from more of their own kicks than others, too. Nine more than the next best side, Ireland. It is not just a case of France winning back the ball from their own kicks, but their ablity to score directly from any aerial contest. Flying winger Louis Bielle-Bierrey profited from Antoine Dupont picking up the crumbs from an Italy kick in the last round when Theo Attisogbe challenged in the air. Scotland have been pretty good in this area of the game too. They are second for percentage of their kicks retained so far, and scrum-half Ben White is the player who tops the rankings for most kicks retained (10). Wingers Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie were key to Scotland getting the better of England in the skies in round two, before the latter had his campaign ended by injury. Duhan van der Merwe returned against Wales but was taken off early for Darcy Graham, who scored a crucial try from Finn Russell's quickly-taken restart. But might Townsend bring in Glas...