France, now under head coach Philippe Saint-Andre, return to Rome on Saturday for the first time since that painful defeat.

And Favaro, who will start at openside in the absence of the injured Robert Barbieri, admits that France will be baying for blood when hostilities resume in Rome, this time at the Stadio Olimpico.

“They will arrive in a furious mood and will give 100 per cent, so we will have to give 110 and try and absorb everything they throw at us for 80 minutes,” he said.

“They will want to destroy us, but we are ready for war because we want to experience that joy again. I wasn't there and I was envious not to be on the field that day.

“This type of match is fundamental for our growth if we want to play consistently at the highest level.

“We will see two teams who have a similar philosophy. Their style allows players to play with freedom and we know that they are at their best with that style.”