We must take Scotland seriously

Phillipe Saint-Andre’s side started the RBS 6 Nations off in spectacular style, claiming a last-gasp win over England before swiping aside Italy.

But their long-held propensity for following decent results up with a shocker reared itself once again as they then slumped to a dismal 27-6 defeat by Wales a fortnight ago.

Despite that Cardiff calamity, their heaviest defeat against Wales since 1950, France are still in the Six Nations title mix along with Warren Gatland’s men, England and Ireland.

But Huget, who was denied a second-half score at the Millennium Stadium which may have made a difference against the Welsh, claims his side will suffer yet more pain if they fail to treat the Scots seriously.

Huget said: “We can’t pretend to ourselves that today, we’re better than Scotland. We will start well by taking our kicking game seriously, and then we will see.

“But in any case, it’s not a good idea to start taking risky shots in the opening minutes at a fiery Murrayfield.”

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has responded to their Welsh hammering by making seven changes.

But Huget admits the back division will have to perform better.

“We are working hard and we have things in place, but we haven’t made them work yet,” he said. “When there is a delay in a ruck, it’s better that our full-back Brice Dulin gets the ball back behind an organised line. We coped better against England and the centres took part in recovering the ball.

“But against Scotland we need to get the ball as far forward as quickly as possible with fast accurate passes.”

Meanwhile, Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg says he is fed up listening to team-mate Duncan Weir brag about his match-winning drop-goal against Italy.

But Hogg believes Weir’s heroic act could be the spark he needs to become a star performer for Scott Johnson’s team.

He said: “The drop-goal could be the making of him as a top-class international fly-half. For us to be a good team we need talented players at eight, nine and 10.”

Hogg hopes his side can now march on after shaking off humiliating defeats by Ireland and England.

“I think Duncan’s drop-goal could be a turning point for us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johnson has been forced to change his 23-man squad after Alasdair Dickinson was ruled out through injury. His place among the replacements will be taken by Glasgow’s 26-times-capped Moray Low.