As international rugby matches go, Scotland’s game in Paris might not have been high scoring, but it was gripping and enthralling from the first minute until the last.
When the final whistle blew Scotland may have lost, yet they scored the only try and suffered because they gave away penalties in kickable positions.
Defensively, Scotland were heroic and although France didn’t create much, it was not a game for the faint-hearted.
It was the youngsters in the Scottish team who really stood out and led the way, almost embarrassing their more experienced peers with their heart and effort.
The centre combination of Dunbar and Bennett were quite outstanding. They threatened when they had the ball in space and their defensive effort was nothing short of superhuman.
Jonny Gray once again outshone his taller and more obvious brother in the second row.
Along with Rob Harley, the younger Gray is a truly honest rugby player he has a work-rate second to none and seems tireless.
These two Glaswegians have a long future ahead of them in a blue jersey.
Most importantly, Scotland have found a fly-half of genuine class.
Finn Russell only enhanced his reputation as a player who has vision, assurance, confidence and a very sound head on his shoulders.
He reminds me of Craig Chalmers when he first came into the Scottish side 25 years ago not short of self-belief and the ability to put setbacks behind him quickly and move on and competitive to a fault.
Russell is another who is critical to Cotters plan to build a genuinely competitive Scottish side.
If there was any downside to the match against a French team that looked far from a world power, it was that Scotland made too many silly errors and gave away too many soft penalties.
France won the breakdown battle and the Scots could have done with just a little more ‘bite’ in this phase of the game.
Poor discipline is unforgiveable and with a goal kicker as good as Camille Lopez is, you cannot afford to give anything away.
There are still a few issues with the Scottish side Tim Visser’s defensive frailties were cruelly exposed a couple of times and Ross Ford still drifts in and out of games, yet no-one could fault the effort or commitment of the Scots.
Perhaps had Scotland made more of their attacking opportunities in the first half things might have been different.
Stuart Hogg, who was a real thorn in the side of the French, missed a long range penalty and Finn Russell miscued an attempted drop goal.
Games are won and lost on such fine margins.
Sadly, this one was lost but there was still much to be proud of and all is not lost.
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