The defeat keeps the Scots winless thus far in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations yet former British and Irish Lions prop Wright is hoping his young charges will soon develop an imposing side and marry it with their fast-paced attacking game.

But in Galashiels France showed Scotland the level they need to reach if they are to challenge at Under-20s level, running in three tries in the opening 15 minutes from No. 8 Karl Chateau, centre Jonathan Danty and winger Darly Domvo. 

Scotlandcame back with a try in the first half by lock Adam Sinclair and one just after the hour mark by full-back Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, but could not haul in their Gallic visitors.

“Physicality is always going to be an issue for us,” Wright said. 

“We have worked hard on the contact areas but I thought we struggled with our set piece. 

“We don’t have the option of fronting up to these bigger sides so we have to play rugby and play at pace.

“We didn’t get enough ball at the start of each half but when we did get it, we were very, very good. 

“You’ve got to take the positives.  What we’ve been working on in training and talking about is happening out on the pitch and that’s a great sign but on one or two occasions it was just individual execution, going high instead of low in the tackle meant they could offload which they’re very good at.”