On Saturday night, March 15, 2025, the French national rugby team faces off against Scotland at the Stade de France, aiming for victory and the Six Nations title. This match marks the culmination of the 2025 tournament, and French players are feeling the pressure to secure the championship.
France has only lost one of its last 15 matches at the Stade de France, with the sole defeat coming against South Africa (28-29) during the World Cup quarter-finals last October. Prior to this, the last loss at home was to Scotland back in March 2021 (23-27). Now, with Scotland as their opponent, France must be wary of their rivals, who are known for their capable and dangerous play.
Team France enters this match following their triumph over Ireland last week, winning convincingly with a score of 42-27. This victory not only boosted their confidence but put them back atop the Six Nations standings with 16 points, just ahead of England at 15 and Ireland at 14. England piled pressure on France on the same day they face Scotland, having previously defeated Wales with an impressive 68-14 victory, ensuring at least the second position on the leaderboard.
Despite this advantageous position, France's victory is not guaranteed. They must secure at least the win against Scotland and ideally earn a bonus point by scoring four or more tries to confidently clinch the title—regardless of the outcomes of other matches. Currently, France boasts a remarkable point difference of +106, compared to England's +74, giving them the edge needed to potentially win without needing bonus points.
The absence of Antoine Dupont, the team’s captain and pivotal player, looms large. Dupont's injury sustained during the match against Ireland has required him to use crutches as he supports his teammates from the stands. While his absence is felt, head coach Fabien Galthié expressed confidence, stating, "On est là où on voulait être. On a envie de jouer, et de partager ce moment. C'est dur de le voir comme ça," indicating the team's readiness to rally and focus on winning.
Former French team coach Philippe Saint-André echoed this optimism, stating, "Ils veulent gagner le Tournoi et ils vont le faire," signifying the expectations weighing on this talented squad. With both teams fighting for different goals—France for the title and Scotland to upset the leaders—the stakes could not be higher.
The Scottish team finds themselves fourth on the leader board and knows the odds are against them to win the tournament. They must defeat France with at least four tries to claim the coveted win, alongside hoping for other favorable results. They have only managed to secure victories against weaker nations such as Wales and Italy during the tournament.
French player François Cros highlighted the significance of this match for their aspirations, noting, "On sait que ce match-là, il faudra le gagner pour remporter un nouveau trophée." The French team, full of talent and determination, is ready to make history, possibly securing yet another title since their Grand Slam win back in 2022.
Among records at stake, Thomas Ramos could become the leading scorer for France with just six more points needed to match Michalak's record. Meanwhile, Damian Penaud can tie the record for tries scored and Louis Bielle-Biarrey is one try away from breaking the record for the highest number of tries scored during the Six Nations tournament.
This match will not only decide the fate of the Six Nations title but also potentially shape the legacies of several players on both sides. French supporters are flocking to the stadium, charged with excitement, hoping to witness their team lift the trophy yet again, something they have not achieved since 2010, apart from their Grand Slam.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9 PM, and as the crowd fills the stadium, tension and anticipation will rise steadily. Every fan understands the honor at stake and the challenge their players will face on the field. With the pressure coming from England ranking so closely behind, this match serves as France’s defining moment to prove their mettle and secure victory against Scotland.