Mixed emotions for Rory Darge as joy of try dampened by heavy defeat to France

Rory Darge admitted it was a case of mixed emotions after his first start for Scotland brought him a memorable try and a heavy defeat to France.

The 22-year-old Glasgow flanker touched down just before the half hour to help bring the Scots back to within two points of their red-hot opponents at 12-10.

However, Grand Slam-chasing France ultimately pulled away to win 36-17 at Murrayfield and kill off the hosts’ hopes of winning the Guinness Six Nations title.

“It was a proud moment lining up for the anthems and then to get that score but at the end of the day it was a loss and we’re gutted about the result,” said Darge, who made his debut as a substitute against Wales a fortnight previously.

“I was very nervous before the game because obviously it was my first start at a new level. It’s not quite doubts, but you have nervousness about how you’re going to fare. I was still confident but I had nerves.

“The pace was very fast. It’s not something I’ve experienced much except maybe when I played La Rochelle with Glasgow. It was also probably a step up in terms of physicality.”

Scotland went into the Six Nations with high hopes but after just one win in their first three games, their final two matches away to Italy and Ireland now have significantly less riding on them.

“They’re still huge games for us,” said Darge. “We have to look forward to them because they’re all we have left now in the tournament. We’re gutted that potentially we’re not going to be playing for as much as we could have been if we had beaten France but they’re still massive games.”

The French, on the other hand, still have plenty to play for as they chase a first Grand Slam since 2010. Toulouse prop Cyril Baille was pleased with the way his side turned the