TOWNSEND HAILS DISPLAY
The visitors were reduced to 14 men when Mohamed Haouas was sent off for punching Jamie Ritchie just before half-time.
And having started their Six Nations campaign with defeats to Ireland and England, things have greatly improved for the Scots as they followed up victory in Rome with this impressive triumph.
Fabien Galthie’s French side took a 7-6 lead against the run of play with Damian Penaud’s try.
But prop Haouas’s moment of madness changed the game.
Townsend’s men have struggled to make the most of their opportunities this campaign but, with a man advantage, they finally found their verve.
Sean Maitland crossed either side of half-time before Stuart McInally’s try sealed victory and ended the visitors’ hopes of a first clean sweep since 2010.
Charles Ollivon scored France’s other try in a match that Scotland led 14-7 at the break, prompting Townsend to predict more of the same when his side face Wales on Saturday.
“I’ve been really encouraged right the way through the campaign,” said Townsend. “Even the England game, we were proud of how we came back.
“We have been in the fight in those two defeats. But these two wins showed the mentality and confidence to find a way to win.”
Ritchie said of the punching incident: “It’s international rugby, it’s a physical game sometimes stuff happens.”
And Townsend thinks it would be harsh to see his side’s performance diminished by too much focus on Haouas’ dismissal.
He said: “Obviously (the red card) is important but I thought we played better in the first half than the second.
“Sometimes a red card can really help you, but I felt France coped with being a man down.” and
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