France captain Antoine Dupont said the new Nations Championship would add extra significance to November internationals and help Les Bleus prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
With four fixtures replacing the traditional autumn Test schedule, France begin their campaign against Fiji in Lyon on Saturday before facing world champions South Africa and Argentina. The competition concludes with a finals weekend at Twickenham at the end of the month.
"Even though we were used to taking these November internationals very seriously, it still adds a different flavour," Dupont told reporters on Friday.
"I think it gives these November matches and the old summer tours an extra appeal. It creates a new competition, more challenge, more desire to win matches and gives them more meaning."
The 29-year-old scrum-half believes the packed schedule and tournament format offers valuable experience ahead of next year's World Cup.
"The only time something like this normally happens is at a World Cup, where so far we haven't gone far enough to be in that situation, but it can be similar," said Dupont.
"It gives us extra experience together. Even if losing a match here won't eliminate us, in terms of preparation, anticipation and the effort required, it's good experience for everyone ahead of next year."
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