Scotland player ratings vs France
Scotland were swept aside 32-3 by France in their World Cup warm-up clash in Nice.
Here, the PA news agency looks at how the Dark Blues rated at the Allianz Riviera, where the hosts ran in five tries.
SCOTLAND
Stuart Hogg
The ex-Glasgow Warriors full-back was unable to stop France scoring their second try on the overlap in corner, but did produce some important tackles.
6/10
Darcy Graham
Another whose defensive positioning could have been a bit smarter, notably in the build-up to Maxime Medard’s first try.
6
Huw Jones
Warriors centre made some positive breaks as the Scots aimed to recover from their slow start.
6.5
Duncan Taylor
Was back for his first appearance in a Scotland jersey after two years of injury setbacks and the Saracens man showed some quick hands.
6
Byron McGuigan
Showed plenty of running to try to drag his side back into the game, but was often too hasty with timing of passes.
6
Adam Hastings
Put Scotland on the board with a successful long penalty, but then got himself in the sin-bin late in the first half left. Some loose kicking after the interval.
5
Ali Price
Enjoyed little success as France produced a dominant display in both set-plays and free-flowing attacks.
5
Jamie Bhatti
Loose-head prop will be disappointed not to have been stronger when in possession and at the scrum. Replaced at half-time.
6
Stuart McInally
Scotland captain was punished for a loose line-out as Les Bleus scored a try inside the opening two minutes, but continued to rally his side.
6
Simon Berghan
The Edinburgh prop found it tough going against the French frontline.
6
Ben Toolis
The 28-year-old battled bravely, but made a limited impact in the final third.
6
Grant Gilchrist
Despite his experience, the Edinburgh forward was unable to lead a Scotland response in the pack.
5
John Barclay
Made his return from 18 months out with a ruptured Achilles and showed some promise.
6
Jamie Ritchie
Had to a tough evening against Les Bleus.
5.5
Josh Strauss
The Sale Sharks number eight worked hard in the face of continued French pressure.
6.5
Replacements
Zander Fagerson replaced Bhatti at the break and Scotland made six more changes in the second half, with Rory Hutchinson and Scott Cummings making their international debuts, but it was to little avail. 6
Latest Comments
so 2 conclusions:
1. there are basically 6 leagues with a total of 80 clubs where a player can make a living out of his passion .... gives space for roughly around 2'500 jobs worldwide
2. France is way ahead in professionalism (within rugby), which is doesn't come as a surprise, bearing in mind, rugby in the "commonwealth-world" having been regarded as a white collar sport for gentlemen, not having to bother in finding a job to cater for their lifestyle, whereas in France it's a grassroots sport
Go to commentsThis looks like it was written through gritted teeth
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