Findlay has also retained a key core of veterans, captained by Susie Brown, that defeated the French at Lasswade last year and the head coach is hoping a marriage of the two can bring 2011 Six Nations success.

“The games against Spain and the Army earlier this month have enabled us to have a good look at the extended squad and has resulted in quite a few players putting their hands up,” said Findlay.

“We have new faces in the front and second rows; we have an exciting prospect at full-back in Caroline Collie, a well-established footballer with over 70 Scottish caps at various age levels; and there's great potential from the bench, too, with winger Lauren Harris and hooker Lindsey Smith.

“Our games against France are always great events and it'll be fantastic playing under the floodlights in front of the crowds that the women's game attracts over there.

"They have a new young team, too, so I'm sure the French will be just as motivated as we are to put in the performance.”