Six Nations: Scotland Player Ratings v France

February 26, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

Scotland had beaten France in their previous two Six Nations meetings but saw that run ended emphatically at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Here is how we rated Gregor Townsend's men.

15. Stuart Hogg - 6

Coughed up a clear try-scoring opportunity as he couldn't hold onto the pass from Duhan van der Merwe. Sound under the high ball and dealt with France's kicking game well. His error was costly, though, as France would score not too long after and then again after the break as they took control of the game.

14. Darcy Graham - 6

He made over 40 metres from his four carries. He was caught out defensively for France's second try. A real threat on the attack but couldn't make the most of it and was troubled by the French attack.

13. Chris Harris - 5

Harris made some excellent reads on defence, shutting down some promising French attacks. He made good metres from his carries but wasn't enough of a threat and was replaced at halftime by Mark Bennett.

12. Sione Tuipulotu - 5

Tuipulotu had some nice touches with the ball in hand, but more often than not, he was quickly wrapped up by Jonathan Danty - who outplayed the Scotland centre.

11. Duhan van der Merwe - 7

He punched holes into the French defence with devasting carries. Van der Merwe managed to beat six defenders from his five carries and looked to have set up a brilliant try before Hogg spilt the ball. He deservedly scored a late try.

10. Finn Russell - 5

A quiet performance for the Scottish magician as his pack struggled to gain the ascendency upfront. He was replaced after the hour mark, after a relatively forgettable game.

9. Ali Price - 5.5

Some highs and lows for the Scottish scrumhalf in the loss. After halftime, he made a great break that should have led to a try while he missed a crucial tackle on Fickou. His game was interrupted by a head knock again.

1. Pierre Schoeman - 6

Schoeman held his own at scrum time in an even battle with Uini Atonio. He carried strongly to make 15 metres.

2. Stuart McInally - 5

Solid at the set-piece but made little impact around the park as France dominated upfront.

3. Zander Fagerson - 5

Fagerson managed to hold up his side of the scrum but gave silly penalties away in open play.

4. Sam Skinner - 6

He was one of the few Scottish forwards who had any joy with the ball in hand. He made five powerful carries and tackled well too.

5. Grant Gilchrist - 6

He was a real threat to the French lineout taking one against the head in the first half soon after France had just scored. He showed off his soft skills with some nice handling.

6. Nick Haining - 4

Haining was one of the defenders guilty of letting Fickou run around into the corner. He had little impact at the breakdown and was replaced shortly after halftime.

7. Rory Darge - 8

A direct and hard running line saw Darge score his first try for Scotland and went straight back to business soon after winning a crucial penalty with Scotland under pressure.

Darge made the most carries of any player in the match (14) and the joint-most by any Scotland player in a game in this year's Championship after Hamish Watson (14 v Wales).

Scotland's best on the day.