France has sent a massive warning to the rest of the rugby world with a comprehensive 32-3 win over Scotland in Nice on Sunday (NZ time).
Scotland was never in the contest as hosts France scored the opening try after just two minutes, and they never looked back.
France ran in five tries as Maxime Medard's double was complemented by scores from debutant Alivereti Raka, Gregor Alldritt and Antoine Dupont, while Camiele Lopez added eight points from the boot, to counter an Adam Hastings penalty.
Scotland struggled to match France's intensity, and coach Gregor Townsend admits that's something his team needs to improve on.
"We expected a better performance," said Townsend. "We go into every game we play with the goal of winning.
"We believed we were well prepared for the game, but obviously that wasn't correct.
"France looked like they were in good match condition. Our players are good in physical condition, but tonight the match conditioning fell short.
"We have to be much better in terms over the next three games and when we get to Japan."
For France, this was the first of three games they play before the World Cup, while for Scotland they have three more before the showpiece which starts in just over a month.
Scotland last beat France on French soil back in 1999.
Both teams will face off against next weekend at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
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