Mixed emotions for Berghan after debut ends in agonising defeat

Simon Berghan was emboldened by Scotland’s reaction to some major challenges in Paris despite being on the losing side in his international debut.

The tighthead prop got his chance in the 59th minute of Scotland’s 22-16 defeat by France after replacing Zander Fagerson.

By that stage, Vern Cotter had been forced into a series of unplanned changes with captain Greig Laidlaw and his deputy, John Barclay, both off in the first half.

Barclay’s replacement, John Hardie, lasted less than a minute of the second half and others followed off for treatment. However, Scotland were level with nine minutes left and it took two penalties for France to overcome a resolute defence.

The front-page headline of L’Equipe yesterday summed up the home side’s feelings: ‘Relief’.

New Zealand-born Berghan said: “We are all pretty gutted with the result. I actually feel the boys dug in at the end and showed we had turned a corner.

“It’s a disappointing result but I have mixed emotions because I am chuffed to have pulled on the shirt.

“I never got the chance last weekend but this week I got the opportunity and, against a team like France, for a tighthead prop to get a debut is as big a challenge as any and I was right up for it.”

Also making his first Scotland appearance on foreign soil was Ali Price, the replacement for Laidlaw.

Berghan said: “We were under the pump losing Greig and Barcs early, but I think we have a really good squad.

“We can call on anyone to come and play and we will all have confidence in that now.

“There is talk about the depth in Scottish rugby and I certainly think there has been a corner turned regarding that. I think that showed in the end with that defence.”

There was also valuable experience for 22-year-old Jonny Gray, who took on the captaincy for most of the match.

“We have got quite a good leadership in the squad,” 26-year-old Berghan said. “Guys like Jonny put their hand up all the time in training during the week.

“So for them to step into a leadership role is pretty easy. Obviously to do it out in front of a sold-out French crowd, there is a lot of pressure on him, but he handled it really well.

“It was a big blow to lose Barcs and Greig, because Greig is brilliant, but I think we’ve got guys now who can step into the position and take control and I think Jonny proved that as well.”

Scotland had the consolation of outscoring France by two tries to one as well as claiming a bonus point.

Berghan said: “We have got a lot of confidence in the squad and we talked about that even coming to France, we were coming to win.

“We really want to make a dent in the Six Nations this year. We are confident we are going into each game to win.”