In a high-stakes Six Nations match on Saturday, France secured the title despite a controversial incident involving hooker Peato Mauvaka, who headbutted Scotland’s Ben White. Mauvaka was sent to the sin-bin but managed to avoid a red card after the referee reviewed the incident and deemed there was not a “high degree of danger” in the challenge.
The incident occurred while White was lying on the ground near the try line, shortly after France had taken a 10-0 lead with a try from Yoram Moefana. Although Scotland’s Darcy Graham later narrowed the gap, France pulled ahead after halftime, with Louis Bille-Biarrey and Thomas Ramos adding tries to secure a 35-16 victory.
Commentators and former players have debated the appropriateness of Mauvaka’s penalty. Former prop Peter Wright argued on Sportsound that it was clear foul play warranting a red card, stating, “That’s a headbutt. It’s not in a tackle; the whistle has been blown. He should be off for the rest of the game.” Similarly, ex-lock Jim Hamilton believed Mauvaka would likely receive a red for such a violent act.
In contrast, former center Scott Hastings defended the referee’s decision, saying, “Mauvaka had an opportunity to stop. It’s a yellow card. On a rugby field, you can’t do that.”
Former back row player Johnnie Beattie echoed concerns about the act, emphasizing that flying across the ground to headbutt an opponent is unacceptable in rugby. He added, “Mauvaka is very lucky that hasn’t been upgraded to a red card.”
Despite their hopes of lifting the Six Nations trophy dashed earlier in the day due to victories by England and Ireland, Scotland had a chance to deny France the title at Stade de France. However, they faltered in the second half as France capitalized with additional tries from Bille-Biarrey and Moefana.
With this win, France finished their Six Nations campaign as champions for the first time since 2022, claiming maximum points. Meanwhile, England’s previous victory over Wales means they secured second place after winning four of their five matches.
Credit: The Express
