Tandy relishes big defensive test

SCOTLAND defence coach Steve Tandy has warned the players to brace themselves for a French onslaught in today’s Autumn Nations Cup clash.

Against arguably the best team in world rugby right now, Tandy admits Scotland will have their hands full trying to nullify France’s array of attacking talent.

He expects threats to be coming from all over the pitch, but is backing the Scots to turn in a repeat performance after beating Les Bleus back in March.

Tandy is credited as the man who has transformed Scotland into a mean machine, one that boasted the best defensive record in this year’s Six Nations.

Urging a sense of calm if the Scots are to prevail, he said: ‘There’s always a plan when you’re coming up against one of the best teams in the world — and I think France are one of the best.

‘They’ve got threats right across the pitch. They’ve got big bodies that can go through you or round you and they can offload.

‘So it isn’t great when you watch them as a defence coach, but we’re all excited about the challenge France bring.

‘But we’ve beaten them this year and that gives us confidence. It’s the only game they’ve lost since the World Cup, so we know they will have a massive desire and be even hungrier to beat us.

‘We know they can score from anywhere. Whenever you think you’ve got France on the ropes, they can come back and hurt you.

‘They can go behind on the scoreboard, stay calm and stick to their processes, so they’re a confident team that really understand how they want to play.

‘But I think there is a confidence and calmness in our squad now.’

Going up against France’s star scrum-half Antoine Dupont, Tandy acknowledged the quality in the man who was named Player of the Championship in this year’s Six Nations.

‘He’s pretty special, isn’t he?’ said Tandy. ‘He is absolutely up there as a world-class nine.

‘He is a danger, he can take people on, he is a great off-loader, he can kick off both feet. He sees space really quickly, so we know we can’t leave any separation in our defensive line.

‘If he spots even half a gap, he is generally through it. He is an outstanding player.’