Autumn in the French capital is normally a relaxed tranquil time to stroll the boulevards, as the leaves begin to fall the colours add an extra dimension to this already beautiful city.

This year things are different, there are signs the bright red, orange and brown flora has a new kid on the block joining them, the black fern.

Blowing up from the south, the black fern threatens to spoil the native species dominance and lead to a long dark winter in the republic.

France have no intention of turning over a new leaf, but rather to continue with the power, beauty and brilliance that has served them so well over the last couple of years.

On Friday night the hopes and dreams of the host nation at Rugby World Cup 2023 will face a stern test when the opening game of the tournament takes place at Stade de France, following what will be an emotional opening ceremony.

Just over four years ago France were in total disarray, the public had fallen out of love with the national team, there was disharmony between the Top 14 and the French Federation. The transformation makes Lazarus look like an amateur.

England and Wales can maybe take some solace in how things can turn around when everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. But this week the focus is well and truly on Les Bleus, who in a rugby age when size is everything can still make your heart sing and propel you to edge of your plastic seat with angles of running that would defy Pythagoras.

France start their campaign in Paris before travelling to Lille, Marseille and Lyon capturing even more hearts and minds en route and then hopefully returning to Paris for the knock-out stages.

France have been hit by injuries in key positions so not everything in le jardin is looking rosy,

The All Blacks will have their leaf blowers turned up to the maximum hoping to blow away the challenge of Les Bleus on the opening night.

After so much anticipation the Rugby World Cup is just hours away.

Mike Pearce is the Author of The Bleus Brothers available from Amazon £7.99 post free. https://amzn.eu/d/6H8pN8D