France 46 Scotland 19: Elvis Vermeulen scored a last-gasp try to earn France their fourth Six Nations Championship title in six years - barring an England miracle in Cardiff later today.
Knowing they needed to win by 24 points to overtake the Irish in the title race, Les Bleus scored six tries, two in the first half and four in the second - the last nailed by Vermeuelen deep into injury time.
Scotland put up a brave fight, scoring three tries themselves, but they were not able to slow up the French juggernaut. England now need a mighty victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium to deny France the defence of their title.
Scotland went 7-0 ahead when recalled winger Nikki Walker beat Clement Poitrenaud to a steepling Dan Parks up-and-under and grounded in the left corner. Chris Paterson kicked the extras.
Beauxis pushed an early penalty wide but on his next attempt he narrowed Scotland's lead, and then France moved ahead when Imanol Harinordoquy bulldozed over from close range — Beauxis converting.
Pierre Mignoni created a thrilling try for Yannick Jauzion, which Beauxis converted before kicking a simple penalty from under the sticks.
Sean Lamont hit back from Scotland just before the break, with Paterson's conversion making the score 20-14. France had to go on the offensive and extended their lead in the 53rd minute.
David Marty was sent over in the other corner, despite initially fumbling the ball, and Beauxis converted nonchalantly from the touchline to make it 27-14.
Cedric Heymans added an unconverted score in the left corner.
Sean Lamont was sin-binned and France stretched their lead when Olivier Milloud crossed for his first international try.
That gave the French a 25-point lead, but Irish hopes were revived when prop Euan Murray stormed over. To French relief, Paterson's conversion rebounded to safety off the woodwork.
And with time running out Elvis Vermeulen barged over from close range - the video referee confirming the score - and Beauxis kicked the extras as the Stade de France celebrated.
