In the Stade de France, France, as a united force, beat Scotland 35-16 to claim the 2025 Six Nations Championship. The team’s unity was evident in both offence and defence throughout the campaign. France’s victory was a testament to their collective strength, surpassing their opponents and claiming the highly sought title with a blend of young energy and experienced wisdom.
Bielle-Biarrey and Moefana
Scotland could not keep up with France’s ferocity, only achieving one try in return. Yoram Moefana led the charge for France’s attack, scoring two critical tries that set the momentum for the game early on. Louis Bielle-Biarrey further solidified France’s dominance by breaking a new Six Nations record with his eighth try of the tournament. Bielle-Biarrey’s performance demonstrated not just acute finishing ability and a dogged attacking mentality, but also the team’s resilience in the face of challenges.
The Leadership of Galthié
The tactical tweaks employed by head coach Fabien Galthié were decisive in France’s win. Galthié’s decision to begin the game with seven forwards and one back on the bench bolstered France’s pack, giving the team a physical ability to control the game in the last few minutes. France benefited from Galthié’s substitutions at turning points to retain momentum and command of the game.
Shatters Records
Throughout the tournament, France showed brilliant attacking prowess. The team registered 30 tries, exceeding the earlier record of 29 by England in 2001. At 450 points total, full-back Thomas Ramos edged Frédéric Michalak to set the record for France’s top scorer. These achievements showcased France’s ability to play firm defence and deliver high-scoring matches.
Protective
Despite their superiority, France had difficulty with discipline, which sometimes marred their performance. Peato Mauvaka was sent out for a yellow card for an avoidable offence, which brought pressure on the team. However, France’s defence remained solid; unnecessary penalties and distractions raised questions about their ability to be calm under pressure.
The Royal Touch
Even though they won so convincingly, France’s play was sometimes lacking the flair and elegance usually connoted by French rugby, which is characterized by a balance of physicality and finesse. At other moments throughout the tournament, France played more on physical strength than with creativity and improvisation. Rugby fans were expecting more of the attacking brilliance that defined French teams in the past.
The Prospects for France in International Rugby
Future global competitions will be made easier by France’s Six Nations victory. The team must better its discipline and establish a new balance between expressive rugby and structured play. France can preserve its dominance on the global rugby platform and cement itself as a superpower if it makes the right adjustments. Staying consistent while enhancing their style of play to accommodate the legacy of French rugby royalty will be their next challenge.
