Les Bleus seek revenge, 6-2 splits and more in our storylines to follow for France v Scotland

Dylan Coetzee
Split with France head coach Fabien Galthie and Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

Split with France head coach Fabien Galthie and Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

Another week, another clash between these two sides only this time France host Scotland at Stade de Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne.

Last week saw Scotland pull off a sublime comeback 25-21 win over their rivals but this week France have loaded up their line-up with their best players. All of which makes for great viewing and Planet Rugby has selected five storylines ahead of the action.

First game in France before the Rugby World Cup

The Test on Saturday will be an event of epic proportions. It is the first international in France before the best teams from around the globe descend on the country for the Rugby World Cup.

One can expect the stands to be full to the brim as the French public look to convey their country in the best possible way. It is also a good opportunity for the team to feel the support of their fans and gather some momentum heading into the World Cup where nothing short of winning the Webb Ellis Cup is acceptable.

Fully-loaded Les Bleus seek revenge

Of course, before the French national side can even think of World Cup glory they have to get back to winning ways. Head coach Fabien Galthie offered opportunity pretty much across the board for fringe players and youngsters last weekend. It worked for 40 minutes where France went in 21-3 up at the break. The tries scored were brilliant and everything looked like it was going according to plan until the wheels fell off and Scotland stole the win.

Perhaps there was a lack of leadership shown or maybe Les Bleus were just victims of a brave Scottish surge. Regardless, Galthie is not waiting to find out as he made 13 changes. The line-up this week is sublime and just about as strong as the side can get with the simple objective, win.

The likes of Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt and others are all back and boast a completely different challenge to Scotland. They know how important a win is and they know their fans will expect a dominant outing.

Scotland did incredibly well last weekend but a passionate Les Bleus side is coming at them full steam on Saturday and it will be tough to handle.

Can Scotland handle the occasion?

In many ways, it is an acid Test for the Scots, who have a tough World Cup pool including Ireland and the Springboks. Games like this count. Gregor Townsend has been building up the team quite nicely over the last couple of years with wins like last weekend a good sign.

That victory, however, was on their hallowed turf at Murrayfield Stadium and this week will be different. The French crowd will be boisterous and hostile, hoping to get underneath Scottish skins and shake them out of the contest.

The Scots are brave, they proved that last week with their comeback and they need to prove it again. Leadership will be in the spotlight this weekend under the harsh conditions. The Saint-Etienne Test will go a long way in revealing whether the Scots do in fact have what it takes to dance with the world’s best.

Finn Russell’s experience in France

Scotland do have a trick up their sleeve and it is none other than the Bath-bound magician Finn Russell who has been plying his trade in France for Racing 92 since 2018.

The value of his experience of playing in the country cannot be understated, particularly as a key decision-maker. He has dealt with the hostile and loud crowd before, he knows a great deal about the majority of the French squad and he understands the conditions.

Russell looked great with the captain’s armband last weekend and even though he hands it back to Jamie Ritchie for Saturday, his leadership will be absolutely important. Simply put, the only way Scotland will win is if Russell plays out of his socks.

Battle of the 6-2s

The most tactical component of our storylines is the use of the 6-2 (forwards-backs) split on the benches for both teams. For France, it is more typical as their power game is a cornerstone of their success. When they get their forward pack purring it is incredibly hard to stop so they often play towards that with a 6-2 split.

Where it gets interesting is that Scotland has also opted for the 6-2 and Townsend has openly said this week that the team is trialling it with the World Cup Pool B clash against the Springboks in mind. The defending champions famously used the tactic to power their 2019 victory and the Scots are looking to match up.

The versatility of Blair Kinghorn is the key to allowing this and the decision will do Scotland good in this particular game because, as mentioned, if they let France dominate with their physicality it could be a long day.

READ MORE: France v Scotland preview: Les Bleus to get revenge in Saint-Etienne rematch

Features Antoine Dupont Finn Russell

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