Lievremont forecasts fiery start

France head coach Marc Lievremont today predicted an explosive start to his side’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland tomorrow.

Opposite number Andy Robinson wants his Scotland team to impose themselves on the pre-tournament favourites during the opening quarter at Murrayfield.

But Lievremont has precisely the same message for the visitors, adding: “It should be a really good first 20 minutes.”

Tomorrow’s match is a repeat of Lievremont’s first game in charge, which France won convincingly back in 2008.

The 41-year-old is looking forward to returning to the scene of his maiden triumph.

“It’s a stadium and a place I do like,” he said.

“I came once as a player, once as a coach, and I’ve always won.

“So I only have good memories here.”

Yet, Lievremont feels under more pressure two years on because he believes he now has a squad capable of winning the tournament.

“I’m a bit more stressed than two years ago, because I really know that now I’ve got a performing team, a better team,” he said.

“It would be a very big disappointment if we lose tomorrow.”

Despite his confidence, Lievremont was adamant his side should not have been installed as Six Nations favourites, claiming Grand Slam champions Ireland were the obvious alternative.

“I just watched the start of the Ireland-Italy game and Ireland had a good performance already,” he said.

“I know also it’s going to be very difficult tomorrow against Scotland.”

France have been beset by injuries in the build-up to the game but boast real strength in depth.

“We’ve had a few players injured during our preparation – some key players - but we do think we’ve got a consistent team for tomorrow,” Lievremont said.

Indeed, consistency has been France’s biggest problem of late, with some notable victories coupled with some disappointing defeats.

But they have not lost to Scotland since 2006 and will be expected to win tomorrow.

Lievremont repeated his recent claim that Scotland are the “All Blacks of the north”, though he also suggested he had not noticed any discernable improvement in their play since the last time the sides met.

He did have words of praise for certain individuals, however, saying: “Ross Ford is probably one of the best hookers in the world.

“Nathan Hines is a good guy and also a good player, (and Johnnie) Beattie, the number eight.

“There is the quality of (Chris) Cusiter around the mauls and rucks and a good balance in the back line between speed and power.”

Flanker Thierry Dusatoir was feeling the weight of expectation as much as his head coach.

“The pressure is on us because we really want to win this tournament,” he said.

“We know that we have to win tomorrow to start the Six Nations well and defeat would be a handicap for the rest of the campaign.”

Robinson has urged Scotland to play like “warriors” tomorrow and Dusatoir insists he and his France team-mates are up for the challenge.

He added of Scotland: “I hope they’re ready because to win an international game, you need 22 fighters.”