Could teams start to fear Murrayfield once more?

which creates both a golden opportunity, yet also a sense of unpredictability. Which France will turn up? Vern Cotter on the other hand has only made some minor changes.

Alex Dunbar has been brought into the centre with Duncan Taylor replacing Mark Bennett at outside centre. It is a physical combination and demonstrates reassuring strength in depth in this area.

In the back row Josh Strauss comes in for Ryan Wilson – Denton remaining on the sidelines with injury. Strauss is more physical than Wilson – something that may well be needed if France do come out wanting to play.

Scotland have improved in every game they have played this Championship and two weeks ago they played some great rugby to defeat their nemesis, Italy.

If they can kick on again in front of their home fans then France should be sent home with their tails between their legs but no one should underestimate how tough and physical it will be.

Victories against the French are always hard-fought and bruising encounters.

I hope that Laidlaw celebrates his two milestones with that elusive victory as it would be a fitting way for him to mark the day.

Perhaps it would also signal the start of a return to an era when Murrayfield becomes a venue that teams fear, as it was when I was fortunate enough to wear the dark blue jersey all those years ago.