Warren Gatland’s overhauled Scotland with a stunning late show two weeks ago but couldn’t repeat the trick against France after handing Les Bleus a 20-0 half-time lead.

Marc Lievremont’s side were on the ropes after tries from Leigh Halfpenny and Shane Williams 50th international score brought the hosts back within touching distance.

But after eventually going down 20-26, Jones admits first-half errors ultimately cost them the tie.

Jones said: “If you play rugby for a period of 30 minutes in 80 minutes, it is never going to be enough.

“You cannot give teams of France’s quality that much ball and that many penalties.

“The set-piece faltered at times and it cost us. You cannot question the heart and soul of this team, the fitness and physical condition is there because we certainly didn’t give up.

“It just wasn’t enough in the end.”