Jim Hamilton: Disappointed with second half in Paris

Jim Hamilton insists Scotland are on an upward curve despite their 23-16 defeat to France on Saturday.

Scotland were on course for their first Six Nations win at the Stade de France as they led 6-0 at half time.

But second-half tries from Wesley Fofana and Maxime Medard, along with 11 points from the boot of Freddie Michalak and a conversion from Maxime Machenaud, secured France's first win of the tournament.

Tim Visser crossed for the Scots in the second period while Ruaridh Jackson converted and Laidlaw added a further penalty.

Hamilton was disappointed at Scotland's second-half display but was satisfied with the progress they have made under interim head coach Scott Johnson having picked up wins over Italy and Ireland in this year's tournament.

"I think naturally we're pretty disappointed," Hamilton said. "We thought we could come here and win, that was our mindset going into the game and for 60 minutes we were right in the game.

"Then the tide turned slightly, we've fallen off the tackles and they've got dominance in the scrum, and that's been the turning point.

"We've got to take a lot out of that. We've had a decent tournament, the defence has been outstanding at times, but we've just got to get better every time we play.

"We're on an upward curve, and trying to learn all the time. We've got new guys in the team, stepping up and doing well, but there's a lot of work to do with a big tour coming in the summer."