Round three of the 2022 Six Nations kicks off at Murrayfield this afternoon, where the hosts will hope to extinguish the last remaining Grand Slam bid.
After opening their campaign by easing past Italy, favourites France claimed a vital win over chief rivals Ireland in Paris last time out - a result that most saw as a huge step towards their first title since 2010.
But Fabien Galthie and Les Bleus won’t need reminding of their capacity to come up short against today’s opponents Scotland, who are looking to get back on track after following their Calcutta Cup defeat of England with a disappointing loss in Wales.
France’s Grand Slam dream fell apart disastrously in Edinburgh two years ago, when prop Mohamed Haouas was sent off for punching Jamie Ritchie.
They also still had a shot at ending their championship drought in the final fixture last year, only for Duhan van der Merwe’s last-gasp try to seal a first victory for Scotland in Paris since 1999.
Gregor Townsend will be without Hamish Watson, who was ruled out of the match with Covid on the eve of the game, while France welcome back imposing centre Jonathan Danty.
