So

Gregor Townsend’s Six Nations campaign was dealt several blows this week as three of Scotland’s starting XV against Ireland suffered injuries that will sideline them for a number of weeks.

The most serious loss is Stuart Hogg, who injured his shoulder as he landed after a challenge from Peter O’mahony that many felt was late – sadly, not a view shared by the match referee, nor the TMO who had the ability to review whether the challenge was illegal.

The loss of Hogg is significant as his counter-attacking in broken play is something few international teams can cope with.

Ryan Wilson and Huw Jones also suffered knee injuries which will mean they are likely to watch the rest of the Championship from their sofas.

Wilson can be inconsistent in his performances, but against Ireland the back-rower had one of his better games before going off injured.

With a long list of loose forwards unavailable to Townsend, the coach’s resources are being really stretched and it will be interesting to see who he selects for the match next weekend.

Huw Jones, on the other hand, has had a relatively poor Six Nations – possibly a function of lack of game time – but his loss will stretch Scotland’s strength in depth in the centre.

Chris Harris, Nick Grigg and Peter Horne will all be hoping to stake their claim for a place in the side against France given that Sam Johnson has cemented his starting slot in the team.

Had Scotland not suffered so many injuries they would have travelled to Paris with high hopes of victory.

If you are being generous, France have been inconsistent. Being brutally honest, France have been dreadful at times.

Against Wales they had all but sewn up the game before hitting the selfdestruct button and conceding some ridiculous scores. Against England they were dominated all round.

It is hard to know which team will turn up next.

Which gives Scotland a golden opportunity to register a victory – or it would have before so many injuries.

France will view the match against the Scots as a real chance to get their campaign on track.

They are sure to make some changes from the side that faced England, which could be a blessing or a curse – if there are new combinations, Scotland have to get under their skins from the start.

Having lost some momentum by losing to Ireland, Scotland have to get back on track with a victory in Paris.

It is not beyond them, but will be a lot harder now than it might have been with their ever-lengthening injury list.