Bonus-point wins over England and Wales have lifted Gregor Townsend’s side into a share of first place with Ireland in the table but the Scots face their toughest test yet when they face defending champions France on Sunday. The French will be stinging from their defeat to Ireland in round two as they look to revive their defence of the title they won so impressively last season.
Townsend’s team won in dramatic fashion at the Stade de France in 2021 but Scottish victories in Paris have been few and far between – only eight since the end of World War II and six in the last 60 years. Here are a selection of memorable moments from Scotland’s triumphs in the French capital.
9. The Toony Flip is born
Gregor Townsend conjures up a moment of magic to play in Gavin Hastings, left, for the match-winning try against France at the Parc des Princes in 1995. The move, christened the Toony Flip, began when Scotland ran a late penalty from halfway. Craig Chalmers, the Scotland stand-off, passed to Townsend, who was at outside centre. He fed Hastings who powered his way to the line to tie the scores at 21-21. The full-back then converted his own try for a famous victory. Photo: Hamish Campbell/The Scotsman
10. The bottle of Hastings
Gavin Hastings is a picture of concentration as he heads for the line during the 1995 Five Nations win over France. It was Scotland's first win in Paris for 26 years and was achieved in the most dramatic of circumstances. Before Hastings' thrilling late try, France had taken the lead with eight minutes remaining when Philippe Saint-Andre took advantage of a poor clearance from Gregor Townsend. The current Scotland coach made up for the error with his memorable assist. Photo: Hamish Campbell/The Scotsman
11. Redpath is collared as Melrose contingent bloom
Bryan Redpath, the Scotland scrum-half, is held by Phillipe Benetton of France during the 1995 Five Nations match at Parc des Princes. Redpath formed an all-Melrose half-back partnership with Craig Chalmers as Scotland won 23-21. They were joined by their club-mate Craig Joiner on the wing. A fourth Melrose player, Doddie Weir, came off the bench to replace Damian Cronin. The Greenyards club were the pre-eminent side in Scotland at the time, winning the title five years out of six between 1992 and 1997. Photo: Pascal Rondeau
12. Princes of Paris
Some of the Scotland team celebrate the famous 23-21 away win over France in 1995. It was the Scots' first ever win at the Parc des Princes and their first win in Paris since 1969. Photo: Colorsport/Shutterstock