How the Scotland players rated in Six Nations defeat to France in Paris

There will be no Grand Slam for Scotland but their hopes of winning the Six Nations are still alive after a spirited defeat to France in Paris.

Chief Rugby Writer

Published 26th Feb 2023, 19:04 BST

Updated 26th Feb 2023, 19:14 BST

The home side won a titanic contest 32-21 but there was plenty to admire about the Scotland performance as they bounced back impressively from a nightmare opening period that saw them fall 19-0 behind after losing lock Grant Gilchrist to a red card.

The numbers were evened up when French prop Mohamed Haouas also saw red – the first time in Six Nations history that opposing teams have each had a player sent off in the first half – and two tries from Huw Jones and one from Finn Russell brought the Scots back to within four points at 25-21 behind with 12 minutes to play.

However, a loose line-out allowed France to steal possession and break forward in the closing stages with centre Gael Fickou sealing a bonus-point win for the hosts with a last minute try, adding to the earlier tries from Romain Ntamack, Ethan Dumortier and Thomas Ramos.

Here is how the Scotland players rated out of 10 ...

A real threat in the loose for Scotland, with a couple of bullocking runs. 7/10

. Pierre Schoeman

A real threat in the loose for Scotland, with a couple of bullocking runs. 7/10 Photo: FRANCK FIFE

Came close to scoring but fumbled near the line. Solid at scrum and with his lineout throwing. 7

. George Turner

Came close to scoring but fumbled near the line. Solid at scrum and with his lineout throwing. 7 Photo: FRANCK FIFE

Agonisingly close to a first-half try but unable to ground the ball with his outstretched hand. 6

. Zander Fagerson

Agonisingly close to a first-half try but unable to ground the ball with his outstretched hand. 6 Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Held things together as Scotland had to regroup after Grant Gilchrist’s red card. 7

. Richie Gray

Held things together as Scotland had to regroup after Grant Gilchrist’s red card. 7 Photo: Adam Davy

Sent off after seven minutes when his shoulder made contact with Anthony Jelonch’s head. Now likely to be suspended. 1

. Grant Gilchrist

Sent off after seven minutes when his shoulder made contact with Anthony Jelonch’s head. Now likely to be suspended. 1 Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

A real threat in the loose for Scotland, with a couple of bullocking runs. 7/10

1. Pierre Schoeman

A real threat in the loose for Scotland, with a couple of bullocking runs. 7/10 Photo: FRANCK FIFE

Came close to scoring but fumbled near the line. Solid at scrum and with his lineout throwing. 7

2. George Turner

Came close to scoring but fumbled near the line. Solid at scrum and with his lineout throwing. 7 Photo: FRANCK FIFE

Agonisingly close to a first-half try but unable to ground the ball with his outstretched hand. 6

3. Zander Fagerson

Agonisingly close to a first-half try but unable to ground the ball with his outstretched hand. 6 Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Held things together as Scotland had to regroup after Grant Gilchrist’s red card. 7

4. Richie Gray

Held things together as Scotland had to regroup after Grant Gilchrist’s red card. 7 Photo: Adam Davy

Scotland Paris Six Nations France Finn Russell