France were at their devastating best scoring six tries en route to a comprehensive victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The French made it three from three in this year’s Six Nations as they stormed to a 36-17 bonus-point victory that brings them a step closer to winning the tournament.

The opening 20 minutes in Edinburgh was blistering. France brought deadly accuracy and intent and blew the hosts off the park in the opening exchanges.

Paul Willemse and Yoram Moefana both scored early  on for the visitors as France converted dominance into points.

Scotland looked punch-drunk against a superior France pack flexing its physical muscle. The Scots, to their credit, fought their way back into the match chiefly through the efforts of livewire back rower Rory Darge. It was Darge’s try that gave the hosts hope and brought them within two points.

Scotland had a chance to take the lead as Duhan van der Merwe broke through the French defences and linked up with centre Chris Harris, with the final pass to Stuart Hogg, however, put down with the tryline looming. It was a passage of play the spelled the beginning of the end for Scotland.

French centre Gael Fikou scored a scintillating solo try moments after Hogg’s error to compound Scotland’s woes and hand his side a healthy lead going into half time, 10-19.

After the break, a dejected Scotland tried to run the ball from all areas of the pitch which played into French hands. A try to Johnathan Danty straight after half time broke the Scottish spirit. Two further tries to wing Damien Penaud added gloss to the scoreline for France.

Scotland scored a consolation try after the hooter through Duhan van Der Merwe, but they will be disappointed with their performance on the day.