England v Scotland 6 Nations 2013: Scotland player ratings

15. Stuart Hogg – 8.5
Scotland’s most impressive performer. He broke the gain-line repeatedly and offered some excellent counter attacking play. Impressive relief kicking and a resilient defender who fought to the last breath.

14. Sean Maitland – 6
Making his debut for Scotland and did not disappoint. Grabbed himself a well-taken try and looked threatening throughout. England tried their best to contain the young winger but his energy, drive and determination were superior to the majority on the pitch.

13. Sean Lamont – 5
In a game which called-out for game changers, Lamont was nowhere to be found. Did his job running the lines and defending but showed little else to spark a Scotland team who needed a leader to take the game to the English. Not one of his best games but not one of the worst – Scotland will need more from the big playmaker.

12. Matt Scott – 6
Performed well, strong in the tackle and ran hard at the English defence. He was one of Scotland’s few attacking threats but couldn’t do all of the work himself. Scott finds the gaps, exposes defenses and works hard but with no supporting cast he will forever be under-appreciated.

11. Tim Visser – 6
Another weapon the Scots felt could change the game but was not found enough to assert himself on the game. The defense kept him quite all game – Scotland need to find ways to let him run free or he will be as useful as a car with no engine.

10. Ruaridh Jackson – 3
Had a very poor game, laid no foundation for the team to build from nor did he use an ounce of the playmaking ability he supposedly possesses. England kept the young fly-half silent but so would a team of 15 year-olds.

9. Greig Laidlaw – 5
Better than Jackson in every aspect of play but still lacked the skill to compete with a talented English side. He is not Scotland’s answer at scrum-half but could offer a better performance at 10. Laidlaw is one of Scotland’s most dynamic players who offers invention, enthusiasm and vision. The decision to start him at 9 was a mistake and one Scotland will hopefully learn from.

8. Johnnie Beattie – 3
Brought back into the international fold thanks to string of strong performances at Montpellier but apart from a token trot over the gain-line the big number 8 did nothing else of merit. Lacking the pace and determination to keep with the match, he faded into the crowd and was silent for the remainder of the contest.

7. Kelly Brown – 8.5
Easily one of Scotland’s best performers. The imposing flanker never stopped running and worked hard to secure the ball. Made the hard yards while disrupting the English rucks and mauls, making a complete nuisance of himself.

6. Alasdair Strokosch (Dave Denton) – 4
Denton came on early on because of an injury, and had a chance to show why he should have been on the starting teamsheet but failed to impress. Gave away too many penalties, gifting England easy position and points while being completely outplayed by the strong English pack.

5. Jim Hamilton – 4
With every international game the big lock looks more and more battle tired and weary. He was unable to replicate his club form on the international stage yet again. He was absent for much of the contest especially in the moments when Scotland needed him most.

4. Richie Gray – 4
The hype which surrounded the young giant has faded, he no longer has the title of being ‘the next BIG thing’ he is now just a man, albeit a tall one, who fails to standout in a pack which lacks talent. Positionally was poor and poses no real threat when running with the ball. England easily put him on his back, never allowing whatever it is he is capable of to materialize.

3. Euan Murray – 3
The evangelical prop has long lived off his reputation of being one of the games most consistent and strong performers. The reputation he once had he no longer merits, he was worked hard by the less experienced Marler and was dominated in every other facet of the contest. Yet another passenger onboard the awful Scottish pack.

2. Dougie Hall – 4
Fluffed his big opportunity. He had a chance to impose himself on the international stage but failed to stamp any sort of presence on the match. Far too much inconsistent play to feel that his place is safe for the Scots’ next Six Nations match against Italy.

1. Ryan Grant – 4
Managed to keep Cole subdued for much of the match but was caught ball-watching and anonymous throughout the contest. He provided Scotland with no platform to build from nor did he show any signs of a drive to compete. A very poor game from someone Scotland could have used.

By Alexander McLeman

@TodaysPlay