If they had made the most of their chances in the first half they would have been 30-plus points in front by half time, which is really very galling.

It was an extremely flat occasion at Murrayfield. Sometimes the crowd reacts to a good passage of play or a big hit but on Sunday it was just very, very quiet. You could hear the French crowd making far more noise because there was nothing for the home supporters to cheer about.

Scotland lacked leadership and a real cutting edge in the way we played and the way we approached the game.

It is disappointing because the likes of Gordon Bulloch, Stuart Grimes, Jason White and even Simon Taylor have plenty of experience of this level of rugby.

They need to give a lead to the younger players. In the dressing room afterwards, could they look each other in the eye and say they gave everything they had to give, and had not one ounce of energy left?

A lot of supporters leaving the stadium suggested Scotland had rolled over and that is a very hurtful accusation to make.

Against Ireland this weekend, Scotland are playing for pride. It is their last chance to redeem themselves this season and play to the standards they reached against England.

The confrontation up front should be easier for them as I think the Irish front row is one of the weaker in the championship but the line out is a different matter.

Ireland are generally a very tough proposition - and they are playing for the Triple Crown.

They were found wanting when they went for the Grand Slam last season and I'm sure they will want to redress the balance.

As for the continuing debate over where to play Chris Paterson, I think he is the best player with attacking potential we have and Matt Williams should stick with him at fly-half - he just needs time.

He will be frustrated he hasn't been able to control games but he's only played a few games at that level and is a long term investment.

Like an out of form batsman he needs more time in the middle. But it must be difficult to play behind a beaten pack of forwards.