PARIS, 6 February 2005 — A late try by Damien Traille handed France an undeserved 16-9 victory over Scotland in their Six Nations clash here yesterday.

Scotland led for all but the last five minutes with Chris Paterson scoring all their points but played the last 10 minutes with 14 men as Jon Petrie was sin-binned and then Hugo Southwell had his kick charged down leading to Traille’s try.

Scotland coach Matt Williams launched a bitter attack on the officials for their handling of the game claiming his side were robbed and that an Allister Hogg late try should have been allowed.

Play was called back for Hogg having a foot in touch which on TV replays did not look to be the case.

“I am outraged at losing and the decisions which were made,” fumed Williams.

“That game was won by Scotland. We were robbed blind, the terrible decisions have cost us the game.

“A lot of bad things have happened to Scottish rugby and it was up to the players to show leadership. They were fantastic.”

French skipper Fabien Pelous said victory was a relief especially with the make-up of the side which boasted a new halfback pairing of Yann Delaigue and Pierre Mignoni.

French coach Bernard Laporte said he was at a loss to explain why his team had such a mediocre afternoon.

“We played like a frightened team in the first half but were better in the second half,” said Laporte. “I don’t understand why we were like that.”

Team manager Jo Masso was more forthright. “It was the equivalent of a hold-up,” he said. It was a game of fear and we got away with it.”

Scotland were awarded a penalty in the second minute and Paterson slotted it over from around 30 meters out.

Wales End 12-Year Wait for Cardiff England Win

In Cardiff, Wales produced a performance to remember yesterday when they beat England 11-9 for their first Cardiff victory over the world champions since 1993.

In a deafening cauldron of noise created by a Welsh record crowd centre Gavin Henson kicked the decisive penalty four minutes from time to secure just their third win in 18 games against their most hated of rivals.