Ewan Ashman believes Scotland remain in contention for the Six Nations title despite defeat to France on Saturday.  

The Edinburgh hooker, a replacement in both the opening two games, insists the loss to Les Bleus does not dent Scotland’s chances of lifting the trophy for the first time.  

He said: "We’re very much still in it. We need to win the remaining games. I don’t think we need to look much further than that: the next game, we need to win.  

“The game following, we have to win. Just take it game by game and do what we can, control the controllables.” 

Ashman’s early introduction against France came after George Turner was forced off for a head injury assessment (HIA). New technology in his ‘smart’ gumshield detected a heavy collision, and he was forced off for 10 minutes in the first half.  

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"Sometimes it’s almost easier as a sub coming on when you don’t have any time to think, and just roll straight into it,” the former Sale Sharks hooker said.  

Ashman was heavily involved with the forward effort that ended with Sam Skinner’s try controversially disallowed by the officials. 

READ MORE: Gregor Townsend 'gutted' after Scotland's loss to France

While not being drawn on the match-deciding decision, Ashman said Scotland must learn to put close games to bed.  

Post-match, he said: “I had my head in a ruck. I haven’t had a second look at it, but obviously emotions were running high at the end.  

“We shouldn’t have been in that position anyway. We need to learn what we can do better - we shouldn’t have let them back into the game like we did, which is the frustrating thing.” 

Ashman, who was born in Toronto but qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born father, said the squad will not use the manner of the loss as motivation for the Calcutta Cup clash with England.  

“We don’t need any extra motivation. You’re playing England at home: it’s always a huge game. It’s not something that’s going to require that extra motivation. 

“But we can definitely learn lessons from today and also pick out the good things then carry that forward into England. It should be a really good game.”