Reigning champions France banished their autumn blues with a resounding 34-21 RBS 6 Nations defeat of Scotland that combined forward power and typical French flair in the backs.
While Maxime Medard, Imanol Harinordoquy and Damien Traille all rounded off excellent moves, Les Bleus relied just as much on their front three to demolish Scotland up front forcing a first-half penalty try in the process.
But despite some scintillating passages of play from France, Scotland showed huge character to come back into the match with tries from captain Alastair Kellock, Kelly Brown and Sean Lamont.
Yet it was France who truly laid down the biggest statement of intent as they got back to winning ways after the horror of their 59-16 defeat to Australia in November.
There had been a lot of talk in the build-up about how the majority inside the Stade de France would react if Scotland kept the hosts at bay during the first half.
But the home crowd had to wait just two minutes to see Scotland’s resistance crumble.
Nick De Luca got turned in midfield and the ball was quickly worked to Aurelien Rougerie on the left wing who kicked ahead for Medard to control and touch down in the corner. Scrum-half Morgan Parra converted.
Just as ominously for the visitors, their scrum was demolished by the Les Bleus front row inside the French 22 and the hosts soon marched their way downfield for Trinh-Duc to make it 10-0 with a drop goal.
Only some desperate defending prevented a French breakout down the right but after being on the ropes for the opening quarter, Scotland shocked the home team with a try on 19 minutes.
Scotland’s heavy runners made inroads into the French 22 and after battering away at the try line, captain Kellock went through William Servat’s tackle to get the visitors back into the game.
Incredibly, given the pattern of the previous 18 minutes, Scotland were within three points.
But it did not stay that way for long when France were awarded a penalty in the corner and opted for the scrum.
After issuing a warning to tighthead Euan Murray for twice collapsing, referee Wayne Barnes had little choice but to award a penalty try once the Scottish pack were sent reversing at a rate of knots.
Parra’s conversion restored France’s ten-point advantage but it did not dampen the ferocious pace of the game from either side.
Scotland boss Andy Robinson opted to introduce Mike Blair for vice-captain Rory Lawson at the break and the visitors were immediately on the defensive as France adopted a more patient, phase-based approach.
Parra missed one penalty but the pressure was relentless and it eventually told on 56 minutes.
Lionel Nallet made inroads before Trinh-Duc exhibited a typical piece of Gallic skill with an audacious pass through his own legs which set Harinordoquy steaming under the posts. Replacement Dimitri Yachvili’s conversion made it 24-7.
Again Scotland refused to buckle and, much like for the first-half try, powered their way towards the home 22 before a quick tap penalty from Blair gave Brown the momentum he needed to bluster through the French defence. Parks converted.
Traille’s try on 68 minutes appeared to have finally put the Scottish challenge to bed as he applied the coup de grace to another flowing move involving Medard, Yachvili and Clement Poitrenaud.
But as good as they were going forward, France’s defensive capabilities left a lot to be desired as Scotland capitalised on some missed tackles for replacement Lamont to go over with five minutes remaining. Parks added his third conversion.
A late penalty from Yachvili rounded off the scoring in a match that will give both sides confidence going into their next round of Six Nations matches.