The 27-year-old spent two years in France playing for Perpignan before returning home last year to join Glasgow.

Scotland were stunned 27-6 by France at Murrayfield in the 2008 6 Nations opener and Cusiter admits the Scots could be blown off the park again if their defence is not up to scratch.

“I expect them to come out and really have a go at us,” said Cusiter, speaking at the RBS 6 Nations launch at the Hurlingham Club.

“It’s a massive test for our defence and how we deal with what they throw at us.

“We have to shut them down and put them under pressure, and not allow them to impose their game-plan on us.

“I feel that I understand French rugby players a lot more having spent two years down there and their mentality in playing away from home.

“I really enjoyed playing against the French – they are fantastic rugby players – but I have experienced their point of view as well and feel there is knowledge there now that can help us.”