The game started at a very fast pace and the Exiles although not dominating territory or possession clearly were up in the contact area and at scrum time. Chris Thompson and Ross Sutherland particularly made life very difficult for the French on the ground and at the half the Exiles had created at least 6 turnovers. Despite only having a short time together (one session on team defence for example) the Scots line was very structured and effective; Andrew Fraser led this from the front with some really powerful tackles that lifted the team and took the wind from the French side.

Two penalties from Seumas Mackenzie, who also had a strong game, kept the Exiles in contention, and by half time with a score of 6 – 15, all felt that if the Scots could keep doing what they were doing and improved in one or two areas in the second half, there was a possibility of winning the game.

Things started well with Anthony Kent, Aaron Hall and Exiles captain Russell Weir leading from the front. The Exiles created one or two chances and one a further occasion caused mayhem on the French line. As the Exiles began to tire after a long week, the French however began to show their quality and scored again.

With ten minutes to go and the score 6 - 23, the Exiles were still playing strongly but the superior fitness and accuracy of the French were beginning to take their toll. Unfortunately having used all their replacements the Exiles suffered another injury and finished the last five minutes with 14. The French exploited this scoring again, finishing up 6 – 35.

The Exiles could take great heart from this performance and their efforts during the week. A team that had come together properly on Monday afternoon (17th August) and within five days, beaten Belgium and had caused France a shock was a really tremendous achievement.

Scotland Select XV squad

Kent London Wasps

Fedorciow Harrow School

Fraser Harrogate

Hall Newcastle Falcons

Tyas Brighton College

Thompson Loughborough Uni

Sutherland Edinburgh Univ

Hannam Mount St Marys College

Weir Loughborough Uni

Tester Durham University

Williams London Scottish

Patterson Launceston

Hughes Loughborough Univ

Mackenzie Stewarts Melville

Johnstone Hawick

Replacements

Quigley Hull Ionians

Connor Wharfedale

Grimestone London Scottish

Porter Durham Univ

Aikman Sheffield Hallam

Watson Harrogate

Graham Nuneaton

Did not play

Billam Paviors; Shand Exeter Univ; Graham Carlisle; Stidson – Nott Wasps (injured)