SIX NATIONS REVIEW WEEK 3: FRANCE V SCOTLAND

What really upsets Scottish fans is that for years they were not competitive, and so therefore player mistakes under international pressure were understandable, as they were simply not good enough. With two Scottish clubs in the QF of the Champions Cup, a Top 6 world ranking and 3rd place in last year's Six Nations (having beaten England), Scottish Rugby has never been in better health, so that excuse cannot be made for the manner of defeat on Saturday. Even being ravaged by injuries (out of a small playing base), is no defence for such a poor Scotland performance against a dispirited French team, who had only won 3 out of their last 18 games.

Scotland missed 35 tackles against France

Scotland needed a quick start, France got one. Scotland needed to score early, France did. Scotland needed to do the basics well, especially in defence, but missed multiple tackles for France's first try, which started from their own 22. Even when Huget was yellow carded in the first half, Scotland could not take advantage, and were very lucky to only be 3 - 10 down at halfway. Scotland needed to score first after half time, but France scored after a minute of the second half with a flowing move, including a successful chip and chase from Bastareaud, which summed up the game.

Chip and chase ... really?

Gregor Townsend, the Scotland coach was so unimpressed by his team, that he emptied virtually the whole bench after 64 minutes. Encouragingly, Price and Hastings at half backs managed to exploit the quick ball Scotland's forwards started producing, but the team lacked the accuracy needed to score points and get them back in the game. By the time Scotland got a consolation try, France were out of sight, eventually securing the bonus point in the 87th minute. France won 27-10, but having had a few tries ruled out by the TMO, could have won by 30 points, such was the gulf.

Dupont, the new French generation is here

France clearly have some good young players, especially out wide in Dupont, Ntamack and Ramos, who cut the opposition to shreds at times. However, Scotland need to pick themselves up in two week's time against Wales at home, and play like their lives depend upon it - the fans will expect nothing less. Hopefully Finn Russell will be back to make them less predictable. France will have a spring in their step going to Dublin to play Ireland, with nothing to lose, exactly when they are at their most dangerous.