France will begin the defence of their Six Nations Grand Slam title keen to erase the memories of their humiliating 59-16 thrashing by Australia last November.

Should they retain their title then it will be the perfect launchpad for another bid to at last win the sport's ultimate prize, the World Cup in New Zealand in October.

However, a series of poor performances will place serious question marks over their ability to win the William Webb Ellis trophy and leave the confidence of the team at a low ebb.

Regardless of what happens there is little chance of coach Marc Lievremont being replaced despite the Wallaby debacle at the Stade de France only months after he was hailed as a genius for bringing France their first Grand Slam since 2004.

Lievremont insists that he does not feel any pressure going into the tournament and is keen to get their defence underway against Scotland on Saturday.

"No, I really don't feel that there is huge pressure on me," said the 42-year-old.

"I feel really at peace, serene even. I have had a fortnight on holiday, and I feel rejuvenated. I am convinced that this squad can repeat the achievement of 2011.

"I have never allowed negative pressure to be linked to what could happen to me, in the event of a serious defeat.

"The only pressure that I have, is to motivate this squad to have the will to win and to perform well."

The former backrow forward, who was capped 25 times and played in the 1999 World Cup final defeat by Australia, is also steadfastly refusing to change his strategy.

"We don't want to change," insisted Lievremont.

"I am convinced that this style of rugby will allow us to to try and outdo our performance from last year.

"It's always the same story: whenever there is a disaster, there is a lot of criticism, insinuations, and a lack of courage on the part of certain people not to accept their roles in the poor performance."

Lievremont certainly has the players at his disposal to bounce back from November's disappointing series of test performances.

With the World Cup squad set to be announced on May 11, there are several who will need to prove themselves all over again.

Stellar names such as Imanol Harinordoquy, whose star dimmed to such an extent in November that having started the first test against Fiji as captain he was dropped for the Australian Test.

Even captain Thierry Dusautoir, who had a heated exchange with Lievremont after the Australia defeat, needs to lead from the front if his team are to propel France back into the reckoning both in the Six Nations and the World Cup.

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