WHO’S HOT WHO’S NOT

HOT CHRIS HARRIS

Scored what was a superbly-worked team try and was also involved early in the build-up for Sean Maitland’s score. Defended well and worked hard in his best-ever performance in a Scotland jersey. Having the versatility to play on the wing will also help his World Cup chances.

GREIG LAIDLAW

Stuart McInally may be favourite to captain Scotland in the World Cup but after this leadership display by Laidlaw, that may no longer be a foregone conclusion. In a superb showing, he was in the faces of his team-mates from the first minute encouraging them to keep up the momentum. Two penalties and a conversion added to a fantastic performance from the scrum-half.

W P NEL

The Scotland scrum was dreadful against France in Nice but improved so much with this man in the starting team. Never took a backward step in the hour he was on the field and also put in some important defensive tackles. Far and away the first-choice Scotland tighthead and should start in the opening World Cup match against Ireland.

GEORGE TURNER

Conceded a few penalties in the first half but tackled superbly well and helped keep the scrum up. Was forced to move to the back row late in the game due to injuries and that versatility will be important in the World Cup.

NOT PETER HORNE

His far-too-obvious attempted pass to Stuart Hogg was easily intercepted by Damian Penaud, who ran 60m to score after less than two minutes. The Scotland centre did well not to be overly affected by his brain-freeze. For all his talent and versatility to play at flyhalf, this disappointing display may tarnish his hopes of going to Japan.

SCOTT CUMMINGS

Didn’t do much wrong but needed a bigger performance in his first Scotland start to enhance his World Cup chances. Showed up reasonably well in open play but not at his best in the line-out. The only way he is likely to now go to Japan is if Sam Skinner’s hamstring strain rules him out.