James Mortimer    18.Nov.2012Getty Images

Les Bleus coach Philippe Saint-Andre has told his troops that this month’s greatest challenge lies ahead of them, with a confident Samoa heading to Paris with the scalp of the Six Nations champions in hand.

Samoa were full value for their 26-19 victory against Wales, the current Grand Slammers of Europe, although that tag doesn’t seem to do the side justice at the moment – especially with France impressing in their most recent tests.

Indeed, the French are now fourth on the world rankings, a position which will be consolidated after their impressive 39-22 win over Argentina in Lille, following up from their powerful performance against the Wallabies, defeating the then second ranked nation in the world 33-6.

While the Tricolours have looked a solid blend of power and panache, very much in the blueprint of classical French teams of yesteryear, the physical prowess of the Samoans is something that Saint-Andre admitted had him up late at night.

“I told the guys that now, the toughest was ahead of us against Samoa,” he said.

“Last night, after I watched Wales versus Samoa, I did not sleep very well.”

“I have to congratulate my squad tonight but we have to stay humble because the giantkillers are coming at the Stade de France.”