Since the stadium was redeveloped in 1994 a showdown with Les Bleus has failed to entice a full house but that will change with next weekend’s game.

And SRU director of communications and public affairs Dominic McKay has been quick to declare his delight that the French will be given a capacity welcome.

Andy Robinson’s side desperately need a result against the French to kick-start their 2012 RBS 6 Nations campaign and McKay told the Scotsman: “We are delighted to have sold out our two home Scotland matches in this season’s RBS Six Nations Championship.

"The feedback we received following our enhanced match-day entertainment that we introduced at the game against England has also been very supportive.”