France desperate to atone for dismal display in Cardiff
Much-changed side lines up against Scotland for second straight road game
Even after their heaviest Six Nations defeat in five years, France are still in the title race.
But with points differential likely to determine the champion, France have the worst of the four teams tied for the lead – plus one. Ireland, by contrast, are plus 42.
Following the dismal 27-6 loss in Cardiff, it is a wounded France which face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, and a much-changed one.
This is typically French; as soon as we start winning, you think you are someone important and you fool yourself
Coach Philippe Saint-Andre, with his job in doubt, turned over almost half the side. There’s new loose forwards, three new backs, and a third-choice hooker after injuries ruled out tyros Benjamin Kayser and Dimitri Szarzewski.
No.8 Louis Picamoles was dropped for losing the plot at the end in Cardiff.
“If we want Pascal Pape to do his job as a captain, well, he needs to have 14 players around him who are focused on the game and who give everything for the team,” Saint-Andre said.
France have beaten Scotland in every game but one this century, but the manner of their failure to fire at Millennium Stadium throws some doubt on their ability to rise to the occasion in a second straight road game.
“This is typically French; as soon as we start winning, you think you are someone important and you fool yourself,” said recalled winger Maxime Medard, who has three tries in four games against Scotland.