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Scotland player ratings vs France
By Online Editors
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
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Latest Comments
Ireland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
Go to commentsFair to say that NZ have come to respect Ireland, as have all teams. But it's a bit click-baitey to say that the game is the premier show-down for NZ.
SA has beaten NZ four times in a row, including in the RWC final.
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