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The XV captain of France Guilhem Guirado disappointed after the Scottish test, August 24. Reuters / Craig Brough

With less than a month of the World Cup in Japan (September 20 to November 2), the XV of France fell back in Scotland in this Saturday, August 24. In Edinburgh, the Blues lost 17-14 in their second test-match.

A week after slapping Scotland in Nice in their first warm-up match (32-3), the French team failed to confirm in Edinburgh for the rematch on Saturday, August 24 (17-14) . The Scots, with most of their usual holders, were a little more dexterous than the French in their transmissions. This is the third time in a row that the XV du Chardon won at home against the Blues.

The team of France effective before a festival of inaccuracies

Very quickly, the French team leads in this second test-match thanks to three-quarter center Damian Penaud came to intercept a pass from Peter Horne in his camp (2nd). Opportunists, the Blues take advantage of Scottish mistakes and register a second try thanks again to Damian Penaud, served ideally on the outside by Sofiane Guitoune (27th). Well happy, the Blues lead 14-3 shortly before half an hour of play.

Frenchman Damian Penaud after his first try in Scotland, August 24th Reuters / Craig Brough

Drafts, but more enterprising, the XV Thistle logically reduces the gap before the break following an umpteenth lost ball, this time by the double marker Penaud. Two game times later, Sean Maitland flattens and Greg Laidlaw transforms (39th). At the break, the XV of France lead 14-10 despite his many faults, but is punished after the break after a nice Scottish sequence concluded by Chris Harris (60). After transformation, Scotland takes the lead of three points (17-14) and will never be taken over by a team of France too rough this Saturday.

Less than a month from the World Cup in Japan, there is still work to the Blues. They will try to catch up Friday, August 30 against Italy at the Stade de France.