Image source, Getty Images

Mathieu Bastareaud is an absolute monster - he just ploughs on as Scottish challengers bounce off him. His efforts force Scotland into conceding a penalty... Frederic Michalak, whose first penalty was a dribbling misery, is far better with his second effort, from around 35 metres out on the left. We are level.

John Beattie and Duncan in Ayton with a slight difference of opinion there. That's what it's all about. I wouldn't like to call this match at the moment - but France have weathered some Scotland pressure, and are now starting to press...

John Beattie
Ex-Scotland back row forward, BBC Scotland

"It's been an error-strewn game but both teams are trying something different. I have a sneaking feeling Scotland could do this tonight, they have no need to be overawed. They look in reasonable nick."

Scotland win a penalty from a scrum that digs up some almighty divots in an absolute pudding of a pitch. The ball is kicked to the corner, and Scotland have a line-out 10 yards from the French line. Richie Gray collects from Ross Ford's throw, and now the pressure is on - but the home defence holds up well, and Frederic Michalak is able to boot clear. A chance that for Scotland; they might have expected to make France sweat more than that.

Rabah Slimani has been patched up, has donned his skull cap and is ready to rejoin us. Meanwhile, France concede a penalty around 40 yards from the posts, in a central position, and Greig Laidlaw proves far more reliable a kicker than Frederic Michalak was at the other end moments ago. Scotland lead in Paris.

John Beattie
Ex-Scotland back row forward, BBC Scotland

"Both teams at the moment are unable to keep their own ruck ball. It's a strange game, but this could be World Cup conditions, it'll be like a wet October day in Newcastle."

Now Scotland prop Alasdair Dickinson has problems following a collision with Louis Picamoles, and is led from the field - it's not immediately clear if he has a blood or a head injury. 

Image source, Getty Images

From the line-out, Richie Gray puts his hands on Pascal Pape and concedes a penalty. Frederic Michalak's kick, though, is atrocious - it barely reaches the posts. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and blame it on the conditions.

France look a team full of power, and they're looking sharp on the counter attack in these early stages. This is going to be a testing evening for Vern Cotter's men as they seek a first win at the Stade de France since 1999. There's an early blood injury to Rabah Slimani, and Nicolas Mas is on.

John Beattie
Former Scotland back row forward, BBC Scotland

"As a player, you didn't want to play warm-up games. How many Scots have played themselves into contention through these warm-ups?"

And referee Wayne Barnes, with a blast of his whistle, gets us away on a rainy night in Paris. France are in a red change strip - Scotland in their usual blue.

A rather impressive a cappella version of La Marseillaise from the France team follows a lusty rendition of Flower of Scotland. We're just about ready to go.

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland coach Vern Cotter, speaking to BBC Radio Scotland: 

"It’s a Test match, so we’ll take this seriously and very positively. It’s key that we learn to adapt to different situations, it should be a good practice and hit-out."

I'd like your thoughts too - how far will Scotland go at the World Cup? Who is going to make the difference for them? Are you happy with Vern Cotter's selections? Tweet using the hashtag #bbcrugby, text to 81111, or get in touch via the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Just a reminder that, in addition to this text commentary, you can listen to live coverage of events in Paris courtesy of BBC Radio Scotland. Click the live coverage tab at the top of this page.

Scotland arrive in Paris on the back of two wins over Italy, with a hard-fought 16-12 victory in Rome two weeks ago followed up by a far more stylish 48-7 triumph at Murrayfield last Saturday.

Philippe Saint-Andre's France side have faced England on each of the last two Saturdays, first losing 19-14 at Twickenham before winning 25-20 last weekend.

Let's turn attention towards Scotland now. Vern Cotter's side will seek to avoid any injury dramas of their own as they face France at the Stade de France in just over 10 minutes. 

Back-row John Hardie and prop Willem Nel are in Cotter's line-up, while Sean Maitland and Tommy Seymour are included for the first time since returning from injury. Centre Matt Scott comes in to start alongside Mark Bennett in the backs.

Scotland:  Sean Maitland, Tommy Seymour, Mark Bennett, Matt Scott, Tim Visser, Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (captain); Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, Willem Nel, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, Ryan Wilson, John Hardie, David Denton.

Replacements:  Fraser Brown, Gordon Reid, Jon Welsh, Tim Swinson, Alasdair Strokosch, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Duncan Weir, Sean Lamont.

Context is everything...