France captain Hugo Lloris insists initial doubts over the sense of playing tonight’s friendly against England were quickly replaced by a desire for a “great moment of solidarity”.

Amid the hype and bluster surrounding the Six Nations launch, the French provided a moment of context and a sharp dose of reality.

The start of the French cup final was delayed for 20 minutes tonight after the national anthem was booed by some spectators and an angry President Jacques Chirac demanded an apology.