There used to be a lazily used cliche about France claiming "you never knew what French team would turn up" but in the build-up to this year's Rugby World Cup that remark has been consigned to the past.
Since former captain Fabien Galthie took over as head coach after the tournament in Japan four years ago, one thing has been consistent with hosts Les Bleus: they win, having tasted defeat just eight times in 39 fixtures during Galthie's tenure.
The team was unbeaten in 2022, which included a first Six Nations Grand Slam in more than a decade and statement victories over Australia and World Cup holders South Africa.