Easson on 'smooth transition', French test & Scotland confidence

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson has been talking to the media before the Women's Six Nations match away to France this weekend.

Here are the key points:

• Jade Konkel replaces Evie Gallagher - who serves a one-match ban after her red card last weekend - in a "smooth transition in the back row" for Scotland's only change from the opening win over Wales.

• Easson pointed to a longer-term emphasis on basing everything on performance as being key to a run of 13 wins from their past 17 fixtures as they head into a tough environment in front of 17,000 fans in La Rochelle.

• "I believe it's sold out," he said. "The whole town will come out and be out early. They'll be there for warm-up and we have made it very clear to the group of players who have not been in France before what to expect because it's important they understand. France is a good side. So it will be tough. We've been very, very clear on that, but we're going there with confidence."

• The head coach said the opportunity to play in that setting against one of the top sides is "why we play rugby" and Scotland are looking forward to "putting in another strong performance."

• For his side to compete, Easson says they have to "put it together for 80 minutes", adding they've been working hard on that and it is essential to put France under pressure."