Back in 2018, France were the last team other than England to win the Six Nations and Saturday's 21-point defeat by their rivals showed the gap at the top is widening.

Prior to the game in Bordeaux, France had lost by only a score in three of their past four championship meetings with the Red Roses.

A one-off game may not offer too much concern, but 13 defeats in their last 13 games against England paints a similar trend.

Unlike the other nations, France remain dominant at age-group level and defeated England Under-20s 74-0 just this month.

The French domestic league will also change next season from a two-pool format and 12 teams to 10 sides with one pool, which should help to boost competitiveness.

Bringing talent through will remain their top priority over the coming years, with a win over England needed to avoid a growing mental block against their rivals.

Before the 2023 Six Nations, Italy announced 22 professional contracts had been given out to their players.

Since then only two wins over Ireland have followed; however, there was positive progress in this campaign in a resilient first half against England where they only conceded 10 points - and their victory away against Ireland.

The majority of the team play club rugby at home, with four players playing in the PWR.

Centre Beatrice Rigoni and forward Sara Tounesi are at Sale Sharks, versatile forward Silvia Turani plays for Harlequins and prop Sara Seye turns out for Ealing Trailfinders.

This has helped to raise the professional standards of their national team, and more of the same will help to bring further improvements.