But the Scots head into this year’s competition in good form – winning five of their last six games – including a first southern-hemisphere series win as they downed Argentina 2-0 in June.

Les Bleus head into the tournament off the back of a 59-16 loss to Australia but Robinson is aware it might take his side time to settle after a lengthy break.

“This first game is always a tough task for any of the teams,” Robinson said.

“Whatever your start is, it's always a tough ask because you come together having not played in a number of months.

“You've got to find your rhythm, your togetherness in defence and collective will to stop the opposition from scoring, but also you've got to have your systems in place so you can be an attacking threat.

“A lot of people suddenly start talking about the French - slow starters, what happened against Australia - but this French side's a good side.

“We know it's going to take a huge ask for us to go and perform there, but we have the quality to go and do that.”