Robinson rues costly turnovers

Head coach Andy Robinson was frustrated as Scotland lost 34-21 to France to suffer defeat on the opening RBS 6 Nations weekend yet again and extend their poor record in Paris.

Maxime Medard’s converted third-minute try meant the visitors were always chasing the game.

Alastair Kellock and Kelly Brown’s close-range tries followed by Sean Lamont’s late score – all converted by Dan Parks – were ultimately in vain as Scotland lost on the opening weekend for the 11th time in 12 tournaments.

Robinson was pleased with his side’s performance but unhappy at the losses of possession which proved costly as France clinically took advantage.

Robinson said: “I was delighted with the attitude that was shown today and the way we went out to play the game, but we’re here to win Test matches and we’ve got to have a ruthless edge about the way that we play.

“For France to score four tries from our turnovers is not good enough.

“If we can show the composure on the ball and still play with the same attitude we will be a good side.”

France, who had lost three of their previous five Tests since securing the Grand Slam last spring, quickly recovered their confidence following a 59-16 mauling by Australia last November to state their ambitions of retaining their title.

After Medard’s early score, the hosts claimed more tries through a penalty try, Imanol Harinordoquy and Damien Traille, with Morgan Parra kicking two conversions, Dimitri Yachvili two conversions and a penalty and Francois Trinh-Duc a drop goal.

Robinson added: “They dominated us at the scrum and in their attacking play from turnovers. Their counter attack was very fast and very skilful.

“If you give them the freedom that we gave them from our turnovers they are a fantastic side; it was shown there today.”

Scotland were strong in the lineout, but the scrum suffered under pressure from France and Robinson had no complaints about the penalty try.

He added: “We have a lot of respect for the French scrum – I believe they’re the best scrum in the world – and it was a tough day for the guys. If I was on the other side I would have been screaming for a penalty try.”

Having recorded five wins in their previous six Tests, Scotland will look to regain the momentum against Wales next weekend.

“There are a lot of positives to come out of this and that’s what I said to the team,” added Robinson, who highlighted the performances of Parks, Joe Ansbro and Richie Gray as plus points.

“But we’re not here to be unlucky losers and that’s what we have to underline about the way we play the game.”

Les Bleus coach Marc Lievremont had come under pressure following the loss to Australia and was relieved with the victory.

Lievremont said: “This is exactly the kind of match we were expecting, I’m very happy. It was a victory first of all and you can imagine it wasn’t easy preparation.

“We did master this game but we must admit we had a few mistakes which the Scots were able to take advantage of.

“The Scots were always in the game, even though we were ahead.”

Les Bleus captain Thierry Dusautoir said: “Two months ago we were all very worried. We all had pin-pointed February 5 and this game.

“We tried to forget everything, we just focused on the victory and the game. We were very pleased with the result. We knew the Scottish team was going to be difficult and we are very satisfied with the result.”

Lievremont revealed Maxime Mermoz is likely to miss next week’s match with Ireland after going off with a shoulder injury after 45 minutes.