Scotland 29 France 18 


STUART HOGG and Greig Laidlaw led the fightback as Scotland came from behind to beat France at Murrayfield this afternoon.


The Borderers shared responsibility for the bulk of the Thistle's 29 points and both were involved in Tim Visser’s key third try towards the end, which finally snuffed out any lingering French resistance.


The hosts had gone 5-0 down early on, but two penalties from Laidlaw edged the Thistle ahead, before Laidlaw’s pass set Hogg speeding away for Scotland’s opening try.


A second try from Duncan Taylor ensured the home side had breathing space going into the interval 18-12 ahead.


Hogg extended the home side’s advantage with a booming 54 meter penalty kick shortly after the interval. A nine point gap at this stage looked to be decisive, but dogged determination from France dragged them back into the contest and two penalties from Machenaud set up a gripping finale.


With little over a quarter of an hour to go, inspired improvisation from Hogg put Visser through for Scotland’s crucial third try, his flick adding the gloss to a well-worked team move.


It was Scotland’s first Six Nations home win since beating Ireland in February 2013.  The Thistle now have a chance of winning three games on the bounce when they face an Irish team in transition in Dublin next weekend.


Speaking after Sunday's epic encounter, Hogg said: "That game is right up there with one of the most enjoyable I've played for my country as it's great to see all of the practice and hard work we do in training pay off.


"You could see by our faces just how delighted we were. Now we need to get geared up to beat Ireland.


"The individuals and characters we have in the squad are second to none. The way we gel is brilliant so it's great to finally get that win.”