Six Nations: New contract gives Scotland's Allan Jacobsen an appetite

And the 31-year-old is adamant there will be plenty of opportunities for glory in taking heart from the fact that prop forward is a position where players tend to be much more durable.

"So long as your body holds together, age doesn't matter and I'm probably faster than when I was 21," says Jacobsen who will have scope to take his cap total well beyond its present mark of 40.

"I certainly don't think about finishing any time soon. There are props around who play well into their 30s."

At the same time, Jacobsen admits he has lost time to make up for.

"I was injured during the Six Nations match with Italy last season and it cost me six months out of the game.

"That might explain why I feel I haven't been at the very top of my game this season but I'm getting there and feeling better with every outing."

This time around, in comparison to starting each of the last 16 internationals for which he has been available, Jacobsen has to be content with a substitute's shift and he can't wait to get back to the scene of what he regards as the pinnacle of his international career – the Autumn win over Australia.

"Being part of the team that beat Australia is my most memorable rugby moment but we can't dwell on that.

"That day we proved we can take the pressure and hold any side out with our defence.

"You can only go so far playing like that though before eventually you get broken.

"What we have to achieve against France is the equivalent in attack which we showed in defence to beat Australia.

"The week after we lost to Argentina after creating chances but not taking them. That's what we have been working on."