Scotland’s match against France in the Six Nations became a tense affair following a controversial late decision by the TMO, which cost them a potential victory. The climax of the match came when Sam Skinner’s try was disallowed after a protracted TMO review, resulting in a bitter defeat for Scotland.
Following the match, Finn Russell, Scotland’s co-captain, openly admitted that they should not have allowed the match officials to determine the outcome of the game. Despite initially taking the lead with Ben White’s try, Scotland struggled in the final minutes, ultimately allowing France to secure a 20-16 victory with tries from Gael Fickou and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Russell voiced his dissatisfaction with the match’s result, particularly the contentious disallowed try at the end, while also stressing that the team should have performed better to secure a victory without relying on refereeing decisions.
Despite the disappointment, Russell praised Scotland’s resilience in nearly achieving a win after losing their lead late in the game. He highlighted the team’s character and determination, expressing pride in their performance and their ability to remain competitive until the very end.
Looking forward to their upcoming match against England, Russell recognized the necessity for the team to regroup and learn from their experiences. He emphasized the importance of carrying their learnings into the next game and preparing for the forthcoming challenges.
The team’s attention is now firmly fixed on the upcoming encounter with traditional rivals England, fully aware that a victory in the Calcutta Cup is essential to reignite their championship aspirations. Russell underscored the team’s need to regroup and get ready for the demanding challenge that lies ahead.
Furthermore, head coach Gregor Townsend highlighted the impressive performance of 22-year-old Edinburgh back Harry Paterson on his debut. Paterson’s notable display against France earned him accolades, with Townsend expressing confidence in the young player’s future potential.
As the team reflects on their defeat and gears up for the next match, the focus remains on building depth and preparing for the challenges ahead. In the aftermath of the game, the players and coaching staff are taking a deliberate approach to regroup and prepare for the battles that lie ahead. The focus is now on learning from past experiences and channelling their efforts towards overcoming the challenges that await them in their pursuit of victory.