A France side teeming with self-confidence host Scotland on Saturday with a 2nd Six Nations title of head instructor Fabien Galthie’s rollercoaster period on the line.
A success with 4 shots or even more at a sold-out Stade de France would certainly assure Les Bleus the prize 4 years on from winning a Grand Slam.
The successes would certainly drop amongst a Rugby World Cup failing, Six Nations near misses out on and plenty of off-the-field detractions.
Superstar scrum-half Antoine Dupont will certainly be sidelined from the video game because of a severe knee injury he experienced in last weekend break’s widespread sway Ireland, having had a prominent existence throughout France’s opening up 4 video games of the competitors.
Galthie stated France were pleased to have their fate in their hands in your home.
“It’s our supreme objective, it’s what we wanted and what we succeeded in doing,” he informed press reporters.
“It’s an ambition that is becoming a reality, it’s the goal.”
If France stop working to win after that second-placed England and ruling champs Ireland in 3rd additionally have a possibility of raising the prize.
For Gregor Townsend’s Scotland to assert the title for the very first time considering that 1999, they need to win in the French resources for simply a 2nd time in 26 years and go beyond Les Bleus’ factors distinction in the standings, which is 106 versus their 3.
“We’ve not talked about that with the players,” Townsend informed press reporters on Thursday.
“It’s one of the biggest challenges, to go to Stade de France and win.
“We understand that it’s been really hard for us over the years.
“This is going to be even more of a challenge, just because of the form that France are showing,” he included.
Skipper Dupont’s lack permits Maxime Lucu to begin a Test for simply an 11th time. Alongside centre Gael Fickou, they are simply 2 modifications from the 42-27 demolition in Dublin.
“There are knee injuries that hurt, and some knee injuries that hurt a lot, his injury hurts,” Galthie stated of Dupont’s cruciate tendon tear.
“His battle right now is to deal with the pain. Our doctors are trying to control that pain.
“He’ll be with us to view the video game if his discomfort permits,” the former France captain added.
– ‘Vigilant’ –
Townsend has also made two alterations to his starting lineup, after last weekend’s nervy win over Wales when Scotland led by 20 points at half-time before holding off a late comeback to secure victory.
Lock Gregor Brown and No 8 Matt Fagerson are the new faces for Scotland.
“There was a frustrating sensation from us as gamers, that Wales racked up the last shot or Wales had actually returned in the 2nd fifty percent, I obtain it,” Townsend said.
“Let’s not neglect several of the rugby the gamers have actually played because initial 50 mins was impressive,” the former Scotland fly-half added.
Galthie’s spell in charge has been littered with statement wins and also disappointing losses.
The World Cup defeat to South Africa in 2023 and being denied the Six Nations title two years earlier due to a Scotland victory in the final game of that tournament are blotches on Galthie’s record as boss.
“We need to be attentive,” Galthie said.
“I’m on constantly on sharp, I constantly have my danger lights on. I never ever allowed that up with the gamers.
“You can’t be happy with what you’ve done, we have to have a mentality of taking a next step up,” he included.
iwd/gj
