France and Scotland are primed for an enticing start to their Six Nations campaigns on Saturday, when they'll clash in Paris with the hope of an improved showing in the northern hemisphere tournament.
Of all the teams in the competition, it's these two that are most difficult to judge before getting underway, with Vern Cotter adding an unpredictable trait to his Scottish side while Philippe Saint-Andre has constructed a new-look French outfit.
It's likely that Saturday's head-to-head at the Stade de France will have a massive influence in deciding if either side is capable of a top-three finish in what is a World Cup year.
It promises to be an open and entertaining encounter in the French capital, with all viewing information detailed ahead to ensure you don't miss a minute of the action.
Of all the teams in the competition, it's these two that are most difficult to judge before getting underway, with Vern Cotter adding an unpredictable trait to his Scottish side while Philippe Saint-Andre has constructed a new-look French outfit.
It's likely that Saturday's head-to-head at the Stade de France will have a massive influence in deciding if either side is capable of a top-three finish in what is a World Cup year.
It promises to be an open and entertaining encounter in the French capital, with all viewing information detailed ahead to ensure you don't miss a minute of the action.
Live Stream: BBC Sport website (UK), SuperSport stream (SA)
Cotter's first dip in Six Nations waters brings with it an exciting new era for Scottish rugby, with the New Zealander having shown over the past nine months just how he's improved this outfit.
Of the seven matches played under Cotter's wing, Scotland have lost just two—one being a 55-6 dismantling at South Africa's hands and the other an extremely encouraging eight-point defeat to New Zealand.
It's worth noting, however, that in that defeat to the Springboks, the Scots saw their squad reduced thanks to the fixture falling outside the international window. Also, it took a weakened All Blacks team until the final 10 minutes to seal their 24-16 November win.
All things considered, the future looks bright under former Clermont Auvergne chief Cotter, who has instilled a freedom to express in this Scottish team. Speaking to ESPN Scrum's Tom Hamilton this week on his Six Nations prospects, he said:
"I am slightly nervous but I'm really looking forward to it. The players have a desire to do well and surprise a couple of teams. We have three home games and we want to perform well in them."
Unfortunately for Cotter, Saturday's tie against Les Bleus isn't one of those Murrayfield matchups, and he'll instead attempt to do what England could not in their 2014 Six Nations opener: Win in Paris.
The Scottish helmsman is looking to do things his way in the Scotland hot seat and hasn't been afraid of controversy in terms of squad selection. Per Scotland Rugby's official Twitter account, Cotter speaks of picking players on form.
The backs will be pivotal at the Stade de France as that's where the Scots have really opened up and made strides in 2014. The likes of Stuart Hogg and Greig Laidlaw have always impressed, but now Tommy Seymour, Alex Dunbar and Matt Scott are showing real promise.
It all makes for a very enigmatic beginning to the Six Nations, where France may bear the tag of favourites this weekend but will be all too aware of the threat which stands opposite them.
It's no secret that France have invested heavily in foreign artillery over recent years, with the growing diversity of the Top 14 filtering through to the national team.
Saint-Andre has benefited from a host of South Africans making their way to France's borders, unearthing the likes of Rory Kockott, Scott Spedding and Bernard Le Roux as future stars.
Ben Coles of Planet Rugby picked out Bayonne's Scott Spedding as a particularly promising acquisition at full-back having been impressed by his first steps as a national team player in November.
(bleacherreport.com)
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