Scotland bid to derail France Grand Slam hopes in Six Nations crunch

Scotland winger Kyle Steyn insists his side are refreshed and ready to halt France’s Grand Slam charge at Murrayfield on Saturday to keep their own Six Nations title hopes alive.

Fabien Galthie’s visitors arrive in Edinburgh as heavy favourites to secure the championship.

A bonus-point victory for Les Bleus would wrap up the title with a round to spare.

However, the hosts possess significant motivation of their own heading into the weekend.

Victory would send Gregor Townsend’s men to Dublin for a final-round decider against Ireland.

Refreshed Scots ready for ‘machine’ challenge

This year’s championship has already delivered major shocks, notably Scotland’s emphatic Calcutta Cup win over England.

Yet the campaign has taken a toll, following a defeat by Italy and a gritty win over Wales.

Steyn believes the recent fallow week came at the perfect time for the squad to reset.

“It was just so good to get some time with my family,” said the 32-year-old.

“I feel like that’s just really filled the emotional and mental tank again and it’s just been so exciting to come into camp and rip into this week.”

The Glasgow Warriors back acknowledges the scale of the task awaiting them.

“We know the challenge that’s coming this week and the kind of machine that’s French rugby at the moment.”

Kyle Steyn, Scotland winger

Townsend’s side hold no fear

While the French side may be on a march toward a clean sweep, they do not hold the same fear factor for the Scots as other nations.

Under Townsend, the dark blues have won five of their last 13 meetings with France across all competitions.

Steyn predicts another entertaining encounter between two sides willing to attack.

“Whenever we’ve come up against these guys, we’ve had some really good games, some really fun clashes, some really big clashes,” added the winger.

“So I’m just looking forward to another one of them.”