Robinson: Has respect for France

Robinson enters his 13th Six Nations fixture as head coach with two wins and a draw from 12 previous games following the losses to England and Wales.

Another disappointing campaign is likely unless Scotland can confound their critics and defeat the Rugby World Cup finalists, who beat Italy 30-12 in the opening round of matches before their match with Ireland was postponed.

Robinson appeared relaxed on the eve of the match as he looks for Scotland to improve on their strong showings against England and Wales by taking their opportunities and securing victory.

Robinson said: "The French play with a rhythm, they are a quality side, with quality players. That's why this is such a great Test match to be involved in.

"The tempo of the game is going to be important. We've had two games where on average the ball has been in play for 40 minutes - that's tough. Quite a few of the games it's 30 or below.

"If you've got the ball in play, you're keeping possession and you're asking questions of the opposition defence, that's when you'll put pressure on the opposition and you'll be able to score.

"Hopefully it's with us with the ball in-hand and not the French.

"As a neutral, I love seeing the French when they play with that rhythm because it's fantastic rugby.

"Hopefully we don't see too much of that tomorrow."

Scotland have one win over France in Six Nations competition - in 2006 at Murrayfield - and tomorrow is the 13th meeting since Italy joined the Five Nations in 2000.

While inevitably questions over Robinson's position will arise if Scotland again suffer defeat, he retains a belief in his players.

Robinson said: "There's a really good team spirit, one of the best I've seen amongst a group of players that I've coached.

"There's a great attitude and a desire to be successful. There is frustration, there is disappointment of what has occurred so far.

"Those first two games have gone so you've got to use everything, all your energies, coming into this next weekend to go out again, put your body on the line and deliver.

"They are ready to go for it. It's about putting in a complete 80-minute performance."

The forward battle is key, particularly at the scrum, where Scotland were torn apart in last season's 34-21 loss in Paris.

Robinson added: "We've got to be at our very best even to get parity.

"For any forward that has played against a French team, sometimes it can be quite daunting when you stand toe-to-toe with them and you look at them, because of the physicality that they have, the skill that they have and the way French rugby is played.

"But when you get stuck into the game it's a fantastic game to be involved in as a forward, because you are always challenged.

"The guys know if they get on the front foot, they can get some real success in this game.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how we're able to go against a fantastic French pack."

Loosehead prop Allan Jacobsen will be at the coal face.

The 33-year-old Edinburgh prop, who is set to win his 63rd cap, said: "Everyone who plays international rugby wants to test themselves against the best.

"When you're playing France, Italy, Argentina - teams really renowned for their scrummaging - I do look forward to it.

"These are the games when you can try to get a bit of respect.

"We're proud of our pack and scrum. We're looking forward to the challenge."

Jacobsen missed a scoring chance at the Millennium Stadium, but, given the same scenario tomorrow, is determined to take the opportunity.

He added: "At the time I thought 'I'm in here'. I went to pick the ball up and it was like it wasn't there - from what people have told me it was knocked away.

"I would probably do the same again."