Six Nations: Scott Johnson proud of Scotland defence

Interim head coach Scott Johnson found solace in Scotland's brave defending as the Six Nations ended with a 23-16 defeat in Paris.

Scotland withstood fierce pressure from France before falling to a third loss in a campaign that has shown promise.

"We were great in our resolve," Johnson said. "I was really, really proud of the defence. But we let ourselves down in our kick return stuff.

"There's been progress, but it doesn't always improve as quickly as you like."

A third place finish is Scotland's best Six Nations showing since 2006 and when asked about staying on in the post, the Australian replied: "We'll sit and have a proper discussion; man to man.

"We'll work out what's in the best interests of Scotland."

The visitors demonstrated great bravery and determination on a cold, wet night to hold off continued French assaults in the opening 40 minutes but the pressure finally took its toll as Wesley Fofana and Maxime Medard crossed for converted scores.

Scotland had led early from the boot of Greig Laidlaw and were tied at 9-9 on the hour as the Edinburgh scrum-half and French fly-half Frederic Michalak exchanged penalties before the home tries arrived.

A late Tim Visser touchdown added some gloss to the Scottish display but Johnson's men could have no complaints about the result.

"We've had a half decent tournament," was Scotland lock Jim Hamilton's verdict.

"I think naturally we're pretty disappointed," he told BBC Sport.

"We thought we could come here and win, that was our mindset going into the game and for 60 minutes we were right in the game.

"Then the tide turned slightly, we've fallen off the tackles and they've got dominance in the scrum, and that's been the turning point.

"We've got to take a lot out of that. The defence has been outstanding at times, but we've just got to get better every time we play.

"We're on an upward curve, and trying to learn all the time. We've got new guys in the team, stepping up and doing well, but there's a lot of work to do with a big tour coming in the summer."