France are set to face Scotland this Saturday in the Six Nations in a clash that could decide the title.
Fabien Galthie’s side could be crowned champions should they secure a bonus point win and be well on their way to a Grand Slam when they face England in the final game of the competition.
Scotland are aiming to win their first Six Nations ever, last winning a championship in 1999 when they lifted the last-ever Five Nations title.
You may believe both sides are motivated enough going into this fixture, but Galthie has suggested another reason as to why the French will want to go to Murrayfield and secure their fourth win of this year’s Six Nations.
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Speaking to L’Equipe, Galthie said: “They'll be hosting us in one of the exceptional stadiums of the Six Nations Tournament. The reception will be important too. It's always very difficult to travel to Scotland.
“The changing room, in my opinion, is the smallest in the world. We change in the corridor; let's be honest. That already sets the tone. We regularly ask if they can give us the next room, which is available, but we don't get it. So, we continue to change in the corridor for an international match. The referees' changing room is bigger.
“So, we know what to expect as soon as we arrive at the stadium. Otherwise, Scotland is currently a team that's in contention for the win in the tournament. A very aggressive, very active, and combative team, especially in the forward pack. And at fly-half, back four, and I could even add the wingers and fullback, they might even be the best team in the tournament, at least in the UK. We know that defeat is possible.”
The French head coach is clearly taking nothing for granted despite his team being considered heavy favourites for this fixture, as he knows better than anyone what Scotland are capable of.
Scotland have won four of the last 10 fixtures in which they have faced France; however, only two of these came in the Six Nations.
Galthie knows this will be a challenge, but this is the chance to win the trophy and extinguish any hopes both Scotland and Ireland have of securing the title this year.
He said: “Let's just say that in the tournament, every challenge that comes our way becomes the toughest. You either make it or you don't. It feels like everything is up in the air after each matchday. Right now, clearly, the Scots can win the tournament. Just like us. The Irish too.
“We're going to be welcomed by a country and a team that believe they can win the tournament. But our players have been working hard for six weeks, performing well, and are also capable of winning the tournament. We'll have the answer on Saturday.”
Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union
Brendan McGilligan