Pool B Bernard Laporte's mission with France has centred on making his players leave raw emotion in the dressing-room, and his Scotland counterpart, Ian McGeechan, has faced a similar task this week as the squad attempts to move on from the controversial 12-week ban on their flanker Martin Leslie.
Scotland yesterday lodged an appeal but, according to Leslie's Edinburgh clubmate Chris Paterson, Scotland's top scorer of the tournament so far, the team have to detach themselves from their feelings to concentrate on what is likely to be the decisive match in Pool B.
"Emotionally you can be close to someone as a friend but professionally you can't let anything stand in your way," says Paterson.
The Scotland camp were as surprised as any outside observers, confirms the winger. "It certainly came as a shock to us. What happened on the pitch is nothing to be laughed at but we know he's close to the end of his career and for a nice guy to possibly end his career in such circumstances is difficult for everyone to cope with."
Today the place-kicking skills and silky running of Scotland's most promising back will be vital as they face France for a third time in the World Cup.
With top slot in the pool up for grabs the scenario is similar to their last meeting, at Loftus Versfeld in 1995. That encounter set the 1995 tournament alight, with Scotland holding the lead for 84 minutes until a dramatic counterattack resulted in Emile Ntamack's try and defeat by three points.
Recent form does not point to another cliffhanger, as it is four years since Scotland last beat Les Bleus, and their last meeting was a 38-3 drubbing in February. "You never know what to expect," says Paterson. "You know they can spark off anything. As individuals they are all capable of changing a game."
Since his debut at Murrayfield against Spain in the 1999 World Cup at only 21, the former Gala player has matured steadily and was elected Scotland's player of the year in the 2002-03 season. His rise has been accompanied by calls for him to take on the Scotland outhalf slot, which McGeechan has dithered over, selecting five players, including Paterson - once - in the playmaking position.
"It has been an issue ever since I came to the squad," admits Paterson. "I don't know if it's a goal; it's certainly something I'd like to do . . . if it came along I'd be delighted."
Scotland earned maximum points against both Japan and the US but have struggled to impose themselves. "This is the third game for the guys and it's been like getting the early season rustiness out of the way."
Today any rustiness will be met with a healthy dose of French polish.
FRANCE: Brusque; Rougerie, Marsh, Jauzion, Dominici; Michalak, Galthie (capt); Crenca, Ibanez, Marconnet, Pelous, Thion, Betsen, Magne, Harinordoquy. Replacements: Bru, Milloud, Brouzet, Tabacco, Merceron, Traille, Elhorga.
SCOTLAND: Metcalfe; Paterson, Craig, Henderson, Logan; Townsend, Redpath (capt); Kerr, Bulloch, Smith, Grimes, Murray, Taylor, Mather, White. Replacements: Russell, Douglas, Hines, Beattie, Blair, McLaren, Danielli.
Referee: David McHugh (Ireland).
Scotland v France
