Scotland are looking to get their Guinness Six Nations campaign back on track against France after losing to Ireland a fortnight ago.
Here, Press Association Sport's Andy Newport takes a look at the big talking points ahead of the Stade de France showdown.
Injury woes
🏉 @Scotlandteam make final preparations at Stade de France ahead of tomorrow's Guinness Six Nations fixture.#AsOne pic.twitter.com/vn5V5uFing
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 22, 2019
Scotland's injury list has become much worse for Gregor Townsend with key men Stuart Hogg, Finn Russell, Huw Jones, Ryan Wilson, Sam Skinner and WP Nel all having succumbed to fresh blows since the competition got under way. The Dark Blues coach has spoken repeatedly about how the pool of talent available to him in recent years has deepened and it is now sink or swim for his second string at the Stade de France.
Grim history
🏟 Tomorrow's venue for Round 3⃣ of the Guinness Six Nations, France v Scotland. pic.twitter.com/01e4J2g58J
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 22, 2019
Scotland's away record in the championship has long been their biggest hurdle blocking their title ambitions. Since 2013 they have managed just three victories on foreign soil, all against perennial whipping boys Italy in Rome. This weekend they will be looking to end a two decade wait for victory in Paris but should they suffer again in the French capital, the final two weeks of the competition may end up being an exercise in damage limitation with Wales and England to come.
Flaky France
Les Bleus gave a brilliant demonstration of their attacking intent against Wales in their opening game as they raced to a 16-point lead at the break – only to surrender the win with an astonishing second-half collapse. There was more pain in their second game as England dished out a 44-8 mauling but Scotland offers an opportunity for Jacques Brunel to relieve some of the pressure from his shoulders. Scotland will hope it is not the France of the first 40 minutes against Wales who turn up this time.
