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Scotland player ratings vs France - Autumn Nations Cup
By Ian Cameron
Scotland player ratings: Scotland came into this match seeking to win a six Tests in a row, the feat only accomplished twice since 1900.
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It was always going to be a tall order against a French side in fine form, but this was game they will feel they could have won.
Here are our Scotland player ratings:
15. STUART HOGG – 6/10
Was a threat every time he got near the advantage line, and the frustration at times is that he doesn’t get that opportunity as often as one would like to see. Kicking the ball dead at the end wasn’t a fair reflection on his overall game and he was clearly beating himself at the final whistle. It cost Scotland a shot at the draw.
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14. BLAIR KINGHORN – 5
Had to work hard to deny Vakatawa a ninth-minute try and dropped off an early tackle on the rapid Vincent Rattez. He couldn’t stop Vakatawa on his way to the line after halftime, albeit coming across on thankless mission to stop the outside centre. He does break tackles though.
13. CHRIS HARRIS – 5
Struggled to contain the aforementioned Vakatawa. Relentless effort in defence all day, but never truly threatened in attack. Scotland’s midfield simply isn’t firing offensively with the current pairing.
12. SAM JOHNSON – 5
Typically solid in defence, but too often his crash-balls simply signal the end of a Scotland move, as opposed to heralding the start of one.
11. DUHAN VAN DER MERWE – 6
Made a statement running over Teddy Thomas. Needs to work on post-contract ball protection, as he fell victim to the French poachers on more than one occasion. Caught out in the 48th. A tremendous athlete, but his game craft needs work.
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10. DUNCAN WEIR – 7
His kick-offs, in particular, stood out in their excellence, if maybe his tactical kicking was a mixed bag at times. Didn’t shirk his defensive duties and linked well with backline when he did choose to bring the ball to the line.
9. ALI PRICE – 5.5
His service speed was noticeably dialled up, at least in the opening minutes. Caught napping for France’s try after halftime that took the Scottish defence off guard.
1. OLI KEBBLE – 6
Having impressed from the bench in recent Tests, Kebble came in for the injured Rory Sutherland. Getting monstered by a French scrum just before halftime will have hurt. He gets around the pitch well for a big unit.
2. FRASER BROWN – 6
A heroic effort to stop a sure French try in the 57th minute. Two penalties conceded blotted his copybook.
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3. SIMON BERGHAN – 5
Held up well at the scrum baring one monstering. Conceded one breakdown penalty but generally kept himself out of trouble.
4. SCOTT CUMMINGS – 6.5
Imperious in the lineout, the athletic lock was everywhere. He was one of a number of Scottish players whose ball security cost the team in attack, albeit in greasy conditions.
5. JONNY GRAY – 6
Lead the Scottish pack in not giving an inch against the French. Constantly in the wars, sustaining a massive impact from Camille Chat to the chops.
6. JAMIE RITCHIE – 6
Maybe a slightly less hectic 80 minutes then we’re used to from Ritchie. A big hit on Alldritt summed up an attritional days work for the blindside.
7. HAMISH WATSON – 7
Lead Scotland’s kick chase, a dominant turnover tackle on Vincent Rattez standing out. It would be a travesty if he isn’t Lion in seven months time.
8. MATT FAGERSON – 8
Returning to the fray at No.8, Fagerson had a job of work in front of him and he was made to fight for every centimetre against massive French defenders. He refused to give up and increasing found holes in the French defence as the game wore on.
REPLACEMENTS – 4
Late lineout malfunctions at the hands of Sam Skinner and George Turner cost Scotland dearly. Sean Maitland and Zander Fagerson added impetus when they came on.
Too many 4s and 5s here with Ireland's attack toothless#ENGvIRE #AutumnNationsCuphttps://t.co/PaZldZEkAo
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 21, 2020
