France gonna France. Everyone assumed that the French would have a fairly easy time of things in Murrayfield this afternoon as they continued their Grand Slam pursuit.
But that's not how France roll. Despite all the talk of this being a new team, one that has shaken off the shackles of past bad habits, there was always a chance they would return to the ways of old.
Their first half performance was lacklustre to say the least, with the Scots having the better of the play. A try from Damian Penaud did give them the lead, but a moment of madness turned the game on its head.
A fight between a number of players broke out near the French line, although it was initially unclear what had happened. However, replays would soon indicate that one player from the visiting team was going to be in trouble.
Mohamed Haouas landed a haymaker of a punch on Jamie Ritchie, leaving the referee with no choice but to send him off.
🥊🏉
Mohammed Haouas sent off for this punch to the face of Jamie Ritchie. #SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations #VMTVRugby pic.twitter.com/rUDF0u6SxM— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 8, 2020
You definitely can't argue with that decision.
How dumb and selfish is that from Haouas. No wonder Galthié looked incandescent with anger. #SCOvFRA
— Chris McCann (@canntoya) March 8, 2020
It used to be a question of which French team would turn up. Now the question is which French player will do something completely stupid and cost them the game. #SCOvFRA
— Frank McNally (@FrankmcnallyIT) March 8, 2020
Things went from bad to worse for France just before halftime when Sean Maitland crossed over to finish off a great Scottish move.
The game would then turn into a bit of a non-event, with Scotland running out easy winners in the end. All of this means that a first France Six Nations title since 2010 looks pretty unlikely.
