And Saint-André, who was concerned over the lack of time with his squad to prepare for the tournament, insists he expects to get to know the players a lot better over the next month together.

“Spending a month with the players has its advantages,” said Saint-André.

“We will be able to work on the details and as a coach I will be able to get to know the squad a little better, the personalities.

“It’s positive, but we will need to be capable of playing four matches in a row at a high level improving on every game and remaining fit both physically and mentally. The game in Scotland is key.

“Tactics will be important. Scotland is one of the best teams in the world at keeping hold of the ball, with some passages of play lasting more than four minutes.

“Against Italy we struggled to extend passages of play beyond a minute and a half. It will be a big test of our strategy.

“Someone like Julien Bonnaire will be important in the second half because the Scots know how to keep hold of the ball at the breakdown and are fitter than what we are used to.

“The big difference at international level is the recovery time. When you are at your limit that’s when you lose your composure.”