The tighthead prop played all 80 minutes of the Catalans’ 25-6 win which eased their relegation fears, but he insists he will be fit and firing for France’s second match of the Championship.

He said: “We’re not machines and we can’t press a button to say ‘I will play well in this game’. I wasn’t at my best against Italy in the game in Paris. What’s more, I’d been a little ill during the previous week so I didn’t play well.

“It’s behind me now though and I’m getting myself up for the Scotland game. And feeling a little more liberated is definitely beneficial.

“I feel a little freer, of course. I’ve come back a lot fresher mentally. I’m used to coming to Marcoussis [for the French training camp], but not with Perpignan in such a precarious situation. It was new for me, and to be honest it’s tough to leave your mates like that.

“But from another point of view I’ll be 32 soon and won’t have that much more time in the French team. I need to know how to enjoy that.

“[Scotland’s] scrum has improved. Against Wales and England they were difficult to move around and they always seem to cope even when they are under pressure.

“It’s a key match for the Championship.”