In a thrilling display of resilience, Scotland women's rugby team may have fallen short on the scoreboard against France, but the spirit and fight they showed has head coach Sione Fukofuka feeling optimistic. After two tough defeats that didn't go their way, the team bounced back with a performance that earned a valuable bonus point—a silver lining that Fukofuka believes the squad should be proud of.

"Obviously there are a lot of areas that we need to work on, and we'll get back to that," Fukofuka reflected. "But after two big defeats that we didn't get right, I'm happy we came out and competed and took a bonus point. The girls should be proud of that."

Captain Helen Nelson echoed that sentiment, highlighting the defensive grit that defined the match. "We knew it was going to be tough, but I think we're really proud of the defensive effort we put in," she said. With injuries sidelining several key players, the team leaned on its depth, giving younger talents a chance to step up. "That allows some of the younger players to step up, and I think they really did that here today. The energy off the bench was unbelievable."

For Nelson, the mindset shift was the biggest takeaway. "The way we kept fighting back is probably the biggest positive from today. We weren't happy with our last couple of defensive performances, and that's what we've been talking about—getting that fight and belief back. That's what we've shown today."

As Scotland looks ahead, this performance serves as a foundation to build on—a reminder that even in defeat, the heart of a team can shine through. For fans and players alike, it's a sign that better days are on the horizon.