Scotland under-20 were out muscled by a physical French team at the Stade Leo Lagrande tonight (Friday).

Full-back, Peter Horne (West of Scotland), scored Scotland’s only points from a penalty kick and despite going in at half time just three points adrift the Scots could not continue their dogged defending for the entire 80 minutes.

Head coach, Eamon John, said: “We had to defend exceptionally well at all times. They dominated the scrum which stopped us getting any momentum. We were forced to play too much without the ball and at this level and intensity that takes its toll.

“We had a great win at home last weekend and now it’s up to us to learn how to win on the road – that’s our next challenge.”

Scotland under-20 next host Italy under-20 at Dens Park, Dundee, on Friday 27 February – admission to all Scotland under-20 home games is free.

Scotland under-20 squad (team sponsor Martin Currie) to play France in Chalon sur Saone (Friday 13 February, kick-off 7pm local time)
 
15 Peter Horne* (West of Scotland)
 
14 Paul Loudon (Durham University and Edinburgh Academicals)
13 Ashleah McCulloch+ (Aberdeen Grammar)
12 Robbie Johnston (Leeds University and Leeds Carnegie)
11 Grant Anderson* (Ayr)
10 Andrew White+ (Glasgow Hawks)
9 Henry Pyrgos (Loughborough University)
 
1 Gavin Cameron+ (Stirling County)
2 Fraser Brown* (Watsonians) CAPTAIN
3 David Morton (Bridgwater)
4 Nick Campbell+ (Glasgow Hawks)
5 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Struan Dewar+ (Heriot’s)
8 Stuart McInally* (Watsonians)
7 Chris Fusaro* (Heriot’s)

Replacements: Finlay Gillies+ (Heriot’s), Douglas Orr+ (Haddington), James Taylor (Loughborough University and Dundee HSFP), Tom Drennan+ (Edinburgh Academicals), Peter Jericevich* (Glasgow Hawks), Robbie McGowan (Stirling County), Adam McKenzie (Northumbria University).

* = denotes National Academy
+ = denotes National Academy supported by Area Institute of Sport