Alasdair Strokosch: Surprised by France's struggles

Scotland flanker Alastair Strokosch admits wounded French pride is the biggest threat to the Dark Blues in Paris this weekend.

The Perpignan forward knows more than most just how dark the mood of frustrated Les Bleus players will be following a miserable RBS 6 Nations campaign.

Last week's 13-13 draw with Ireland is the best Philippe Saint-Andre's side have mustered as defeats to Italy, Wales and England leave them staring at the Wooden Spoon.

But Strokosch - who returns to the Scotland side for Saturday's Stade de France meeting alongside debutant lock Grant Gilchrist - is now wary of a backlash from the nation he now calls home.

He said: "I am surprised to see how badly they have struggled this year. They have got such a strong squad so it was unexpected.

"But they will be a wounded animal at the Stade de France. They are a very proud nation with their rugby and they are really backed into a hole right now.

"With them being at home, we are a team they will definitely not want to lose to, so they are going to come out firing."

Former Edinburgh and Gloucester man Strokosch quit the UK for France last year.

But he does not believe he will have to tell Scotland caretaker coach Scott Johnson about the potential threats possessed by their weekend opponents as Scotland seek to finish second in the table just 12 months on from their disastrous five-defeat whitewash.

He said: "Scott and the other coaches have got it mostly covered off. They do such a good, in-depth analysis that they know just what France will bring.

"The French could bring anything on Saturday. They have got a big enough team to be able to play it tight and be direct, and they probably will to start with.

"But they also have some of the most dangerous runners in the game. And they have an x-factor where they can mix it up between the two."