Raphael Ibanez on what France expect from Finn Russell

Raphael Ibanez insists France are prepared for the threat of Scotland talisman Finn Russell as they bid to get their Guinness Six Nations challenge back on track following defeat to Ireland last time out.

The French team manager feels the fact many of Les Bleus’ players are familiar with the 30-year-old, who plays his club rugby in Paris with Racing 92, can help keep him in check at Stade de France on Sunday.

“Our players know him well because they have played against him, and some have played with him so they know exactly what to expect,” said Ibanez. “He is a very talented player.”

France suffered their first defeat since July 2021 when they lost to Ireland a fortnight ago, and Ibanez is hoping that home advantage can help them halt the Scots’ perfect start this weekend.

“Scotland have done so well in the first two games so we’re well aware of the danger and the talent in their team and the confidence they’ve got,” he said.

“But we’re playing in Paris and it’s been three and a half months since we last played here, so we’re delighted to play against such a good team in front of our fans.”

Captain Antoine Dupont has called on his French colleagues to prove the Ireland defeat was merely a blip and not a sign that his side have lost their way after a flawless run through 2022.

“All series are made to end one day,” he said. “Ireland are the number one team in the world at the moment.

“We lost and we should have done better, but there is nothing catastrophic. We are not going to reset everything and revolutionise what we have done so far. We just have to do it better.

“We are in a state of mind that we have not known for almost two years now, but we’ve been in this situation before and we’ve been able to bounce back.”