Hastings scored against France at the Parc des Princes in Scotland's last win in France

by Phil Goodlad BBC Scotland Sport Nation reporter

Former Scotland captain Gavin Hastings says that self-belief will be key to victory over France in Saturday's opening Six Nations match in Paris.

Hastings, who led the Scots to victory in France in 1995, thinks a win over the reigning champions is possible.

And the 61-times-capped former full-back said that victory could be the launchpad for Grand Slam success.

"If they get off to a winning start then, my goodness, it sets up the whole of 2011 for them," he said.

Hastings, scorer of a try beneath the posts in 1995, recalled that his Scotland side were always confident of picking up their first win on French soil since 1969.

Who knows, a victory in Paris, and it could just set up the prospect of a Grand Slam. Former Scotland captain Gavin Hastings

"Twenty-six years was an awful long time to have waited for a victory in Paris," said Hastings.

"For me it was always possible, because we'd always beaten France at home, at Murrayfield, and we'd always played extremely well.

And Hastings revealed that a comment made by the French captain had helped fire Scotland to victory.

"They'd won the year before in Edinburgh and I said to Philippe Santandre after the game that - 'next year, we'll beat you in Paris'.

"And he said, 'Don't be so stupid Gavin, you haven't won there for so many years.'

The former British Lion also said the win was hugely symbolic for Scottish rugby fans.

"I mean, we realised the significance of the victory. It was certainly a good day.

"I wouldn't mind running as quickly as that nowadays, that's for sure.

"This Saturday, though, who knows, a victory in Paris, and it could just set up the prospect of a Grand Slam for Andy Robinson's side."

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