Laporte upset at French display

MATCH SUMMARY France: 16 Tries: Traille Cons: Michalak Pens: Delaigue 2 Drop goals: Delaigue Scotland: 9 Pens: Paterson 3 Match report Pictures from Paris Who won the key battles? Match statistics

France coach Bernard Laporte was furious with his players after seeing them struggle to a 16-9 victory over Scotland in their Six Nations opener.

"We didn't try anything, we were in a very uncomfortable position, we lacked possession and when we won the ball we dropped it," said an angry Laporte.

"During the first half, I thought that they were afraid to handle the ball as if it would burn their hands.

"It was a very laborious win but a win will always be better than a defeat."

Laporte and team manager Jo Maso are already considering changes to the squad for France's next game against England on Sunday week.

"I have a stiff neck and I'm going to miss the official dinner on Saturday night. I will be able to watch England's game against Wales and analyse our own game," said Laporte.

Laporte refused to dwell on his team selections, criticised by some observers before the game, such as opting to try a new combination of fly-half Yann Delaigue and scrum-half Pierre Mignoni instead of Frederic Michalak and Dmitri Yachvili.

"It is true we had a totally new half-back pairing and third line but what annoys me the most is the fact we were so scared.

"I will have to talk about this with the players. Maybe some of them were back into the squad and felt pressurised. We will see."

Maso admitted France's victory was unfair on the valiant Scots.

"It is true that France committed sort of a hold up," he said.

"Fifteen minutes to the end I never thought we would score nor win.

"We were not good enough in finishing up our actions, we were making too many mistakes and we failed to be precise."