France vs. Scotland: Winners and Losers from International Match

Scotland nearly ended a 16-year wait for a win in Paris but were denied by a late Noa Nakaitaci try as France squeaked home 19-16.

It means Vern Cotter’s men round off their series of warm-ups with a defeat, but the Scotsman still saw enough that would have satisfied the New Zealander, his side having "matched a team considered one of the tournament favourites on their own patch."

The French have now beaten England and Scotland in Paris after a patchy Six Nations and turbulent time for coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

They may just be jelling once again in time for the global showpiece.

Here are the winners and losers from the Test in the French capital.

Winner: Scotland’s Scrum

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After taking Italy to the cleaners in the scrum last week, it was likely to be a far tougher test for Scotland’s all-Edinburgh front row in Paris, but the away side enjoyed the better of the set piece battle, per Ian Malin in the Guardian: "The visitors’ scrum was giving the French problems, despite losing their loosehead Alasdair Dickinson to a head injury barely six minutes into the match."

With South Africa in their pool, Scotland will know they at least need parity with the powerful Springboks at scrum time to give the two-time world champions a run for their money.

To have tuned up with impressive scrummaging displays against both Italy and France is an encouraging sign.

Loser: Scotland’s Parisian Pain Endures

It was close, so close, to looking like the Scots were going to get their first win this century against France in France.

You have to go back to 1999 for their last success across the channel, when Gregor Townsend piloted them to a famous 36-22 win.

This current crop is at least starting to show signs of long-awaited improvement.

With talent such as Finn Russell, Mark Bennett and Stuart Hogg, and a pack starting to look a real threat, better times, and perhaps another win in Paris, may not be too far away.

Winner: France Able to Win Ugly

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Though the French media has not been quick to praise the side for snatching victory against Scotland, it has to be said they look a side capable to grinding out a result against anyone.

They have the reasonably reliable goal-kicking talents of Freddie Michalak backed up by the long-range boot of Scott Spedding. Both men scored penalties last night, Spedding from 52 metres out.

This makes their powerful scrum a dangerous weapon anywhere from just inside their own half. If they can screw sides in the set piece, they have the arsenal to turn that success into points.

They also have some monstrous runners in the back line, such as Mathieu Bastareaud and Yoann Huget who will crash it up all day long and eventually wear defenders down.

It is not pretty or full of flair, but it is starting to look quite effective.

Loser: Ross Ford

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Ford’s lineout throwing was not at its best in Paris. The hooker needs to fix this issue, particularly with South Africa to play.

The Boks are the best lineout operators in the business, with the likes of Victor Matfield the world’s best at stealing opposition ball.

Ford’s inaccuracy cost Scotland a few throws last night and will do so again in the World Cup if he doesn’t sort his radar out.