The French national rugby team, the XV de France, achieved yet another remarkable feat by clinching their seventh Six Nations Tournament title following their decisive 35-16 victory over Scotland on March 15, 2025. After grappling with early challenges, France delivered a masterclass performance, propelled by standout players who navigated through and beyond Scottish defenses.
Thomas Ramos, who has recently claimed the title of the top scorer for the XV de France, delivered exceptional strides during the match. Scoring 20 points, including one try, Ramos not only broke the record for most points scored for the French team with 450, but he left spectators dazzled by his tactical acumen. His involvement was pivotal, initiating Yoram Moefana’s try with astute plays, including the decisive pass leading to Ramos’s own score at the 57th minute.
Completing the superb foundation laid by Ramos, Yoram Moefana emerged as one of the stars of the match. Scoring two tries at the 17th and 63rd minutes, Moefana showcased his physical prowess, breaking through five defenders on his way to the line. His performance, rated impressively at 8 out of 10, reaffirmed his growing importance within the French lineup.
Not to be overlooked was Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who also shone brightly with his exceptional play. Bielle-Biarrey equaled the long-standing record of eight tries scored during a single Six Nations tournament, originally set back in 1925. His remarkable try at the 43rd minute solidified not only his status as one of the game’s impactful players but also as an active contributor to France’s attacking gameplay.
While France’s backs received much acclaim, their forward pack also stepped up markedly. François Cros demonstrated his reliability and defensive prowess, completing 18 tackles throughout the match, proving instrumental during both defensive phases and set pieces. Receiving 7.5 out of 10 for his performance, Cros didn’t shy away from the physicality of the game, marking his presence across the pitch.
Thibaud Flament was another standout, earning himself accolades for his defensive contributions with 19 tackles made with only one miss, culminating his efforts with a rating of 8. His functionality both at the lineout and during open play underlined his importance to the team dynamics, as he was always present when the pressure mounted.
Maxime Lucu, stepping up for the injured Antoine Dupont, held his own by demonstrating effective game management, including an admirable tackling success rate of 100%, making 11 tackles without missing one. His involvement significantly contributed to the overall effectiveness of the French scrum-half operations.
Despite the success, the match didn’t go without its challenges for all participants. Peato Mauvaka had moments to forget, receiving a yellow card for overzealousness just after 21 minutes, which temporarily altered the momentum of the game. Rated at only 4 out of 10, his subsequent performance was marred by missed tackles and decisions impacting his contributions during key phases of the game.
On the other hand, Gaël Fickou, making his return after injuries, completed the match with two decisive passes contributing to tries, but also showcased inconsistencies with five missed tackles during the first half—the need for improvement being palpable.
Overall, France’s triumph was not just about numerical statistics but also about tactical precision and teamwork under pressure. The match positioned the squad effectively as they headed to future confrontations, with several players showcasing their seemingly unshakeable resolve and prowess on the international stage.
Post-match reflections, including player ratings, highlighted the blend of contributions from both first-timers and veterans alike. With Ramos leading the charge scoring-wise and players like Flament and Cros grounding the defensive strategies, the XV de France solidified its standing as not only champions of the Six Nations but as formidable contenders on the global rugby stage.
Adopting such performances as foundational to their future endeavors, the XV de France appears set to continue striving for greatness, reshaping the narrative of French rugby tradition with every step taken on the pitch.