Instead they encounter the French Imperial Guard with a grand battery of guns and the Old Guard coming in from reserve. On the French right, the Russians send their Guard units to attack what they think is the Polish division. The Russians, seeing they're one VP behind the French, make a push in the last turn.
The Russians exploit the situation and beat the French back. The French guard moves ahead on the right, but the French left is dangerously thin. The noose tightens in the center, but both Russian block groups manage to repel attackers for one round before being destroyed. Napoleon facepalms me from beyond the grave. Against all odds, they repel all attempts to chase them off for three whole turns. The cossacks reach the supply point and block it. The French imperial guard reinforce the right. In the center, there is an envelopment developing around Shevardino and the defenders are in the danger of being cut off. The French have to make a desperate realignment to counter. Yep, Cossacks exploit the vulnerability by making a rush for the French supply area. Wait, did someone forget to secure the road on the French left? The French move into contact with Shevardino redoubt from two directions.