Irish Sunday Mirror

BARC’S READY TO BITE

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Scotland v France Today, 3pm

SCOTLAND skipper John Barclay admits his side have a point to prove against France – but only to themselves.

The Dark Blues suffered an opening-day disappoint­ment against Wales as the wheels came off early in Cardiff.

That 34-7 defeat by Warren Gatland’s men has deflated some of the optimism surroundin­g the Scots after a hugely encouragin­g autumn series.

Barclay (right) is convinced last week’s result is not a true reflection of where Gregor Townsend’s team currently stand.

However, settling scores with their detractors is not his first priority ahead of Les Bleus’ visit to Murrayfiel­d today.

Barclay said: “The criticism doesn’t anger me personally. We’re not going out to prove anyone wrong, definitely not. We’re just disappoint­ed with last week’s performanc­e and want to prove to ourselves more than anybody that it was a one-off.

“It’s just about us going out there and showing that doesn’t represent what we’re about as a team.

“France will be very physical and their defence is very good. They have dangerous runners and we know how hard a task it will be.”

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