That score came from young fly-half Greig Laidlaw last time out in their 27-13 defeat to Wales, a game that Robinson’s men more than held their own in for large parts.

But after defeat in the Calcutta Cup in round one followed by events in the Millennium Stadium, pressure is growing around the national team.

And Gray admits their encounter with France this weekend takes on added significance in the context of their current slump.

But France, runners up in last year’s World Cup, present a sizeable obstacle that the 22-year-old knows will take some beating, especially in the forward battle.

“We as a team would like to prove a point this weekend and get a win,” he said.

“We've been playing so well but just not getting the wins. I believe it's about the final one percent and a complete 80-minute performance. It's close.

“It's a massive test. They're one of the top lineout teams, one of the top scrummaging teams. They challenge you all around the park.

“France have a formidable pack and a really dangerous back-line, and are also World Cup finalists. In the northern hemisphere there's no bigger challenge.”