BATTLE STATIONS

Skipper Sione insists Scots are ready to go to war with title favourites France

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SIONE TUIPULOTU reckons the Scotland squad are "battle-tested" and more mature than ever as they prepare to take on Six Nations favourites France at Murrayfield today.

A win this afternoon would mean skipper Tuipulotu and the team travel to Ireland next week still in with a shout of winning the Championship.

It would be the first time this century that Scotland are in the running for the title with just a game to go.

But the Glasgow centre knows his side will need to be close to their best from first minute to last if they are to get the better of the French. The visitors are four points clear of Scotland at the top of the table.

They have won all three of their matches so far and have been in imperious form both at home and on the road.

A bonus-point win in Edinburgh will be enough to crown them champions.

But Tuipulotu has taken confidence from the fact Scotland recovered from a defeat by Italy first up and went on to beat England and Wales.