Scott Johnson bemoans French penalties

Scotland head coach Scott Johnson has put his side's narrow defeat to France in the Six Nations down to a heavy penalty count.

A last-minute Jean-Marc Doussain penalty secured the victory for the French, who scored four penalties in total.

"Last week, we went into half time nine-two down on the penalty count, this week ten-two down," Johnson is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "We've got look at ourselves first and foremost; I'm not into ragging out referees.

"But when the competition's as close as it is, I find that swing in penalties, especially the 50-50 calls can be tough to justify."

The defeat leaves Scotland in fifth place in the Six Nations standings, four points off leaders Ireland with one round of fixtures remaining.