Scotland are still in Six Nations title race says try hero Huw Jones

Huw Jones was frustrated his two tries in Paris could not help Scotland on their way to another victory – but he insisted they are still in the thick of a Six Nations championship race.

The Scots came with four points of overhauling France’s 19 point lead but were unable to secure a precious win which would have kept their dreams of a Grand Slam alive.

A last minute try by Gael Fickou also robbed the Scots of a losing bonus point – awarded for a defeat by seven points or less – which could have helped them in their quest for a first championship since 1999.

Jones said: “It was tough to see them go over the line right at the end and miss out on that losing bonus point.

“But we are still in it. We have two games at home so we back ourselves against anyone in this championship, especially at home.

“We have a good record at Murrayfield, anyone who comes there finds it tough.

“We have a lot to look forward to and a lot of positive to take out of the France game.”

After a one week break the Six Nations concludes with back-to-back home games for Scotland, with Ireland next up before Italy travel to Edinburgh on the final Saturday.

The Irish are the only remaining unbeaten team in the championship and are eyeing a Grand Slam to go with their current status as the number one ranked test side in the world.

Scotland have not defeated the men in green since 2017, and Gregor Townsend is yet to taste victory in the fixture as Scotland head coach.

Asked why the Scots have struggled to come out on top in recent times, Jones said: “Ireland are a really good team all around, they are first in the world for a reason.

“They are a quality, well-run team with a lot of players who play together week-in, week-out.

“So they are well rehearsed and have a game plan that they stick, to but I think we have improved a lot.

“We have still not hit our peak and I hope that over the final two weeks [of the Six Nations] we can get there and put out a proper 80 minute performance.”