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France see off Scots to finish top
SYDNEY, Australia -- France demolished Scotland 51-9 to book their passage into the World Cup quarter-finals and leave the Scots in danger of missing out on the playoffs. France's biggest ever win over Scotland sealed top spot in pool B -- condemning their opponents to a sudden-death clash with Fiji to decide the runners-up. Flyhalf Frederic Michalak scored a try and kicked four conversions, four penalties and a drop goal for 28 points, only the fifth player to complete a "full-house" at the World Cup. Flanker Serge Betsen, number eight Imanol Harinordoquy, scrumhalf Fabien Galthie and fullback Nicolas Brusque also notched up tries as the French eclipsed their 51-16 win over Scotland in 1998, their previous biggest win. Scotland's points came from three penalties from wing Chris Paterson. "They're a good side and they showed it tonight," said Scotland captain Bryan Redpath. "Everyone will have a look at themselves. We have to put a performance together for next Saturday." France opened the scoring when Michalak booted his first penalty in the 10th minute but the Scots replied immediately through Paterson. Michalak put the French back in front with a drop goal then stretched the lead to 9-3 when fullback Glenn Metcalfe was penalised for a high tackle on Galthie. The French wasted a number of try-scoring chances in the first half but finally broke through in the 34th minute when their back row combined to put Betsen over. Michalak made no mistake with the conversion then traded penalties with Paterson to give the French a 19-6 lead at halftime. They began the second half with Brusque kicking an early drop goal then Harinordoquy driving his way over from the maul. Paterson kicked a third penalty as the Scots managed to briefly stall the French scoring but the 1999 World Cup finalists were in no mood to slow down. Michalak sliced through some feeble defence to score under the posts, then Galthie secured the bonus point when he darted over from the back of scrum. France rubbed further salt into Scottish wounds when Brusque raced away to score on fulltime when Gregor Townsend gave away the ball. Copyright 2003 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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