Preview: England v France

 

With rivals Wales and Ireland playing in Rome and Edinburgh respectively earlier in the day, England's players can watch those games before walking out to face the French at Twickenham knowing what scoreline will be enough.

 

All eyes will be on London once Wales and Ireland have laid down their challenges to finish on top, while England will be up against a French side which once again has blown more cold than hot in this year's tournament, but still has an outside chance itself to lift the trophy.

 

"To win at Twickenham would mean a huge amount and I know how much the guys want it badly," said Lancaster.

 

"They've been hurt to come second for three years in a row and want to avoid that again.

 

"France are a high quality team with a very big, physical pack. Last year when they gave Ireland a real battle despite not being able to win the title. It could be still the case they have something to play for, so we will not start dreaming yet."

 

France have made two changes with flyhalf Jules Plisson replacing the injured Camille Lopez while Vincent Debaty starts at loosehead at the expense of Eddy Ben Arous.

 

Head coach Philippe St Andre wants his players to prove their World Cup credentials. 

 

"International rugby is about combat, humility. I only want players who are ready to go to the end of the world. If anyone thinks that international rugby is too difficult, then they have my telephone number.

 

"They can call me and I'll take someone else. I have covered and supported them for three years. At some stage you need to know how to win games at the highest level. 

 

"The French jersey should not only be something you're proud of but also something that enables you to surpass yourself. You need to be a gladiator," he added.

 

 

For England: Fullback Mike Brown will be good in the air and look to spark some counter-attacks. Outside centre Jonathan Joseph has found good form and there will be pressure on flyhalf George Ford to dictate matters. Captain Chris Robshaw will play as hard as anyone, with support from the abrasive James Haskell, while Courtney Lawes and Dan Cole will have big roles to play in the set-pieces.

 

For France: South African-born fullback Scott Spedding will want to link up with dangerous attacking players such as Yoann Huget and Gael Fickou, while there will be a spotlight on flyhalf Jules Plisson as well. Captain Thierry Dusautoir will lead from the front as ever and up front it will be up to the likes of Yoann Maestri and veteran prop Nicolas Mas to set the tone.

 

Head to head: Mike Brown and Scott Spedding are different types of fullbacks who can both be dangerous if given too much space. Outside centres Jonathan Joseph and Gael Fickou should have a good battle in midfield but the focus will be on the playmakers George Ford and Jules Plisson. Both captains Chris Robshaw and Thierry Dusautoir will be hoping to disrupt opposition possession, in the line-outs it will be between Geoff Parling and Yoann Maestri and at scrum-time the big battle will be between Joe Marler and Nicolas Mas.

 

2014: France won 26-24 in Paris

2013: England won 23-13 in London

2012: England won 24-22 in Paris

2011: France won 19-12 in Auckland

2011: England won 17-9 in London

2010: France won 12-10 in Paris

2009: England won 34-10 in London

2008: England won 24-13 in Paris

2007: England won 14-9 in Paris

2007: France won 22-9 in Marseille

 

Prediction: France will throw everything at them, but England should do enough to win by about five points.

 

 

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Chris Robshaw (captain), 6 James Haskell, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Geoff Parling, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Joe Marler.

Replacements: 16 Tom Youngs, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Nick Easter, 20 Tom Wood, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Billy Twelvetrees.

 

France: 15 Scott Spedding,  14 Yoann Huget, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Noa Nakaitaci, 10 Jules Plisson, 9 Sebastian Tillous-Borde, 8 Loann Goujon, 7 Bernard Le Roux, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain), 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Alexandre Flanquart, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Vincent Debaty.

Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Rabah Slimani, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Damien Chouly, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Remi Tales, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud.

 

Date: Saturday,  March 21

Venue: Twickenham, London

Kick-off: 17.00 (17.00 GMT; 18.00 French time)

Expected weather: Partly cloudy but dry, high of 9, wind 25 kph

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Assistant referees: Johnny Lacey (Ireland), Leighton Hodges (Wales)

TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)