French Fans Kick Off Over Referee Choice for Crunch Six Nations Clash vs Scotland
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The stakes couldn’t be higher for France as they prepare for their Six Nations showdown with Scotland in Paris. Fabien Galthié's men know exactly what they need to do—win on Saturday, and the title is theirs.
Find your local Greene King and settle in to the Six Nations!
There are, however, a few alternative routes to glory. If both Ireland and England slip up in their respective fixtures, France could have the trophy in the bag before even stepping onto the pitch. But if either side claims victory, Les Bleus will need to get the job done themselves against a Scotland team that has blown hot and cold this tournament.
England still in the mix
England, meanwhile, still have a shot at their first Six Nations title since 2020. Their final hurdle? A trip to Cardiff to face wooden spoon contenders Wales.
Despite Wales’ miserable run of form—including an infamous 16-game losing streak—they could still cause problems for Steve Borthwick's side. That said, a bonus-point win would leave England relying on Scotland to stun France in Paris.
Any kind of French win, however, would shatter England's title dreams. Even without a bonus point, France's colossal points difference (+106 compared to England's +20) would be enough to keep them ahead.
“This would never happen in football”
With everything on the line, French fans are not happy about one particular detail—the referee. England's Matthew Carley has been handed the whistle for the crunch clash, sparking outrage from some supporters.
One fan fumed: “Seems strange that an English referee is in charge in Paris. This would never happen in football.”
Another questioned the decision: “Carley in charge in Paris? Surely this shouldn’t be allowed to happen.”
A more measured take came from another supporter: “Carley is a great referee, but this could be an awkward one with France questioning every decision he makes.”
Will Carley's appointment prove controversial? Or will France take care of business regardless?
Six Nations Round 5 Fixtures – 15 March
Italy v Ireland
Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng)
ARs: Angus Gardner (Aus) & Morné Ferreira (SA)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (Fra)
Wales v England
Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Hollie Davidson (Sco)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Sco)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
France vs Scotland referee
Referee: Matthew Carley (Eng)
ARs: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Eoghan Cross (Ire)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
FPRO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
Jonny Wilkinson didn't hesitate when naming his toughest opponent
England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?
The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most “hated” facing during his career.
#5.Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu’s one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.
WILKINSON SAID: “One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him."
DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999
#4.Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe's finest.
WILKINSON SAID: "The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership."
DID YOU KNOW? O'Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player
#3.Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
WILKINSON SAID:"Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth" and "at times he's exactly what a team needs," according to Wilkinson.
DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in ‘greatest ever’ sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached
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