‘SUPER SCOTS CAN GET EVEN BETTER STILL’

GREGOR TOWNSEND said there is more to come as Scotland brought France’s Grand Slam quest to a halt.

And having started their Six Nations campaign with defeats to Ireland and England, things have taken a turn for the better for the Scots as they followed up victory in Rome with this impressive triumph.

Fabien Galthie’s new-look France side took the lead against the run of play thanks to Damian Penaud’s try.

But France were reduced to 14 men when prop Mohamed Haouas was sent off for landing a punch on Jamie Ritchie’s chin – which swung the game Scotland’s way.

Townsend’s men have struggled to make the most of their attacking opportunities this campaign, but they finally found their verve. Sean Maitland crossed either side of half-time before Stuart Mcinally sealed a precious win with Scotland’s third try that ended France’s hopes of a first clean sweep since 2010.

Charles Ollivon got France’s other try in a match which Scotland led 14-7 at the break.

Now Townsend (above) is predicting more of the same when his side travel to Wales on Saturday.

“I’ve been really encouraged right through the campaign,” he said. “The two weeks before the Ireland game was shown in the way we played, how physical we were and being able to play at a real pace and create chances.

“Yeah, we didn’t win and left a couple of tries out there, but we’ve been consistent throughout. Even the England game, we were proud of how we came back in that second half.

“We have been in the fight in those two defeats. But these two wins showed the mentality and confidence to get out and find a way to win. And there is more to come.”

Ritchie said of the punching incident: “It’s international rugby, it’s a physical game and sometimes stuff happens.”

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