The National Times - Townsend relishing 'toughest fixture' in France after Scotland's Six Nations win over Wales

Hours before Scotland bounced back from their agonising one-point loss to England with their second win from four games, France stunned Ireland 47-22 in Dublin.

Victory ended previously unbeaten double-defending Six Nations champions Ireland's bid for a Grand Slam and catapulted France two points clear at the top of the table with one game remaining.

France also have a colossal points difference of +106 compared to second-placed Ireland's +13.

"They (France) are a quality side," said Scotland coach Townsend, who played for three French clubs in Brive, Castres and Montpellier.

"When you saw the French club teams dominating in Europe and scoring 70-80 points against quality English sides on a couple of occasions, it shows you what can happen if you allow them to get on the front foot."

France have overwhelmed several sides this Six Nations since starting the tournament with a 43-0 rout of Wales.

They also piled on 73 points against Italy and would have been in contention for a Grand Slam themselves but for a bizarre 26-25 second-round loss away to England where they squandered numerous try-scoring opportunities.

"I think they could have scored 40 or 50 against England with the amount of chances they had," Townsend said.

"Just now, probably this is the toughest fixture in world rugby. They beat the All Blacks in November, so we can't wait to be involved in it."

- Russell 'in the groove' -

Victory over Wales saw Scotland co-captain Finn Russell regain his place-kicking form, the fly-half converting all his side's five tries, including doubles for Tom Jordan and impressive Toulouse full-back Blair Kinghorn, with returning wing Darcy Graham also dotting down.

Russell's accuracy off the tee was in sharp contrast to what happened at Twickenham in the third round where Scotland outscored England three tries to one yet still lost 16-15 after the fly-half missed all three conversions.

"I think I had my boots on the right feet today," joked Russell.

"No, it was good. I think I did quite a bit of work this week and just got myself in the groove, which was nice actually."

Scotland surged into a 35-8 lead against Wales but, not for the first time, they suffered a late drop-off in the final quarter as the visitors rallied through tries from Ben Thomas, Teddy Williams and Max Llewellyn.

"I think after about 55 minutes, we probably switched off a little bit, so for us, as learning, as a team, we need to stamp that out and make sure we have ruthless 80-minute performances," said Russell.

"We've got a great mental skills coach (Jess Thom) here so I think as a collective we'll maybe have a chat with her," he added.

Defeat extended Wales' national record losing streak to 16 Tests but interim coach Matt Sherratt, whose caretaker stint started with an encouraging 27-18 defeat by Ireland, was buoyed by his side's resilience in Edinburgh.

"Obviously a real brave effort at the end to come back and get two points, but I've seen enough of those games where the reality is they probably thought they (Scotland) had done enough and maybe dropped off five per cent," said Sherratt whose three-game reign as Wales boss concludes against his native England in Cardiff next Saturday.

"What I did feel, though, is there was a hell of a lot of effort from our boys in that last 20 minutes.

"It was outstanding," he added.

A.M.Murray--TNT