It was a disappointing tournament for les Bleus with a spirited 23-16 comeback win against Scotland on the final weekend their first and only victory of the competition.

With Italy beating Ireland earlier in the day the defeat of the Scots failed to prevent France finishing bottom and taking home the wooden spoon for the first time since 1999.

But with the World Cup still two years out Saint-Andre still found plenty of reasons to be positive – with the former France winger claiming his side had at least shown they had the stomach for a fight.

“This team have soul, spirit and the will to fight,” said the 45-year-old.

“Twice they had the character to come from behind, against the Irish last week and again against the Scots.

“At this level you require patience and to be more clinical. However, we have a team packed with youth, a very young second row, very young centres, and they will learn. We believe in the youth of French rugby.”