However, their confidence will be bolstered by the knowledge that they have won the last five encounters with Les Bleues, most recently in 35 degree heat in Mont-de-Marsan in the run up to the World ...

France, meanwhile, came from behind to defeat Ireland 18-13 at Sandy Park, but they will be without Axelle Berthoumieu, who has been handed a nine-game ban for biting Aoife Wafer last time out.