Raise your head or say goodbye to the blue dreams of a new title: a new defeat against the XV du Thistle would send Fabien Galthié and his troops back to their doubts;

a victory and Antoine Dupont's teammates could still hope to get ahead of Ireland, which is aiming for a first Grand Slam since 2018, and resume their march forward towards the World Cup-2023 at home (September 8-October 28).

But for that, it will therefore be necessary to beat Scotland of Finn Russell, 2nd behind the Irish with two victories in as many matches and ten points on the clock.

Gregor Townsend's men, carried by a Russell XXL and a spirited Duhan van der Merwe, started the 2023 edition with a bang: they first dominated England (29-24) before crunching Wales (35-7).

They therefore land "full of confidence" according to third line François Cros, at the Stade de France where they remain on a 27-23 success in March 2021.

Scotland fly-half Finn Russell during the Six Nations Tournament match against England on February 4 at Twickenham Stadium in London © Adrian DENNIS / AFP/Archives

At the time, a try from van der Merwe at the very end of the match tipped the match in favor of Scotland, who had won in France for the first time since 1999 and thus offered the title to the Welsh.

Before the shock of the 4th day against the XV of Clover, the best nation in the world and which in turn knocked out the Blues (32-19), Australia (13-10), South Africa (19-16) or the All Blacks (32-22), the Scots therefore intend to play a trick on the French, who have not lost twice in a row since February 2019.

Damian Penaud, the winger of the XV of France, goes on trial against Ireland in the Six Nations Tournament on February 11, 2023 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin © Paul ELLIS / AFP / Archives

"We have to get up"

With Russell and van der Merwe but also the back Stuart Hogg, the third line Hamish Watson or the center Sione Tuipulotu, the Scots have the weapons to shake the locals.

"We have fallen, we have to get up," said Galthié.

It won't be obvious.

First, because the XV du Chardon is no longer this + sympathetic loser +, who played well before losing with a smile.

The joy of full-back Stuart Hogg after Scotland's victory over England in the Six Nations Tournament on February 4, 2023 at Twickenham Stadium in London © Glyn KIRK / AFP/Archives

"It's the only team that has beaten us twice in the Six Nations in three years," warned the coach in charge of the French attack Laurent Labit.

"We know that the pack of Scottish forwards is very strong in the scrum," said Karim Ghezal, co-responsible for conquest and specific tasks.

"They scored a lot of tries because as soon as they get fouls they hit the sidelines -- they like that with Finn Russell -- so we know discipline will be important"

Then, because the Blues will also not be as undisciplined as in Italy (18 penalties) and less players than in Ireland (180 assists).

This France-Scotland will also be an opposition of styles and generations, with the cold Romain Ntamack against the hot Finn Russell, a duel on the wings Penaud-Dumortier against van der Merwe-Steyn or the fight in the cage between Thibaud Flament and Richie Grey.

Thibaud Flament, the 2nd line of the XV of France, resists two Irishmen in the Six Nations Tournament on February 11, 2023 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin © Paul ELLIS / AFP / Archives

"What we want on Sunday evening is to still be in the race to win this event," said Karim Ghezal.

Rebound time.

© 2023 AFP