'Written off' Scotland can stun France, says Beattie

Former Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie believes Gregor Townsend's men are "capable of the extraordinary" and wouldn't be surprised to see them beat France on Saturday.

Fabien Galthie's French side travel to Murrayfield knowing a bonus-point win will make them Six Nations champions with a game to spare.

A home victory would allow Scotland to head to Ireland on the final day with a genuine shot at a first title in 27 years.

Townsend's men have faced France 13 times during his tenure, winning five, and Beattie is not putting it past the Scots to add a sixth.

The 40-year-old, who played for Montpellier, Castres and Bayonne as well as Glasgow Warriors, told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast: "It's a funny Scottish set-up because they have such high days and such lows as well but they're capable of the extraordinary.

"I wouldn't put it past them to beat a French side, travelling away from home that know they've got a game in hand and can wrap up a championship this weekend. But they could also be very French about it and be absolutely dismal.

"Let's not forget that we've put them under real pressure before, both away in Paris and at Murrayfield. It is possible. I know we're being totally written off but I still think there's enough that it doesn't matter.

"You look at Scotland's backline and what they have been capable of. They will score points and we have to back them to do so. Give them the ball, don't give France the ball, dominate set-pieces, try to control possession and try to outscore them.

"We've been written off but I still think it's possible."