Six of the Best: England v France
Six Nations 2013: No changes in England's 23-man squad
England have named an unchanged 23-man squad for Saturday's Six Nations match against France at Twickenham.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster has kept faith with the same men that beat Ireland 16-6 in Dublin nine days ago.
Wasps back row forward Billy Vunipola hurt his ankle in training on Tuesday and has returned to his club side.
Lancaster will announce his starting line-up on Thursday, with Mako Vunipola hoping to replace Joe Marler in the England loose-head prop position.
Six Nations table Played Won Points Difference Points England 2
2
+26
4
Scotland 2
1
+4
2
Wales 2
1
+2
2
Ireland 2
1
+2
2
Italy 2
1
-19
2
France 2
0
-15
0
Vunipola impressed in Saracens' Premiership victory over Exeter at the weekend, and England forwards coach Graham Rowntree says that the 22-year-old could displace incumbent Marler.
"I'm quite comfortable with him starting, though [as an impact substitute] it's no bad thing for a person like him to sit on the bench. It is horses for courses," he said.
Rowntree expects a tough test from the France pack in Saturday's Six Nations clash.
England lead the table after wins over Scotland and Ireland , however Saturday's opponents have lost their opening two games for the first time since 1982. Rowntree anticipates a backlash at Twickenham.
"It will change the whole complexion of their championship if they win, and the way they will challenge us is through their forward pack," he said."There is never a weak French scrum, and as an outfit, regardless of results, that area of the game is something we always respect."
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre says his team are treating the clash as their "Grand Slam" match.
"We will need to bring enthusiasm and confidence into the game," said Saint-Andre. "We will not beat England by doing nothing. Going to Twickenham is a fantastic challenge.
"I want to be proud of a team who will go there to give 120% of what they have."
Fly-half Frederic Michalak, whose starting place is thought to be under threat following the defeats against Italy and Wales, added: "We are going to play against one of the best teams in the world.
"We're going to play with our heart and defend our colours. I hope it will go our way. It would be the icing on the cake.
"It's always special to play against England. We will try to dig and find something we have not found yet.
"France against England at Twickenham - it's the ideal place against the ideal rival.
Six Nations highlights 2012: France 22-24 England
"You can't dream of a better stage - 80,000 supporters with all the folklore that goes with it. I can't wait."
Loose-head prop Thomas Domingo has been recalled after missing France's opening two matches, and Rowntree thinks Saint-Andre will give the Clermont forward a starting berth.
"We are preparing for Domingo and I think he will start," added the 41-year-old.
"We have been watching him play for Clermont. He has been around that setup for a few years now. He is an incredible scrummager - a compact little unit, but technically very good."
| Played | Won | Points Difference | Points | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England 2 2 +26 4 Scotland 2 1 +4 2 Wales 2 1 +2 2 Ireland 2 1 +2 2 Italy 2 1 -19 2 France 2 0 -15 0 Vunipola impressed in Saracens' Premiership victory over Exeter at the weekend, and England forwards coach Graham Rowntree says that the 22-year-old could displace incumbent Marler. "I'm quite comfortable with him starting, though [as an impact substitute] it's no bad thing for a person like him to sit on the bench. It is horses for courses," he said. Rowntree expects a tough test from the France pack in Saturday's Six Nations clash. England lead the table after wins over Scotland and Ireland , however Saturday's opponents have lost their opening two games for the first time since 1982. Rowntree anticipates a backlash at Twickenham. "It will change the whole complexion of their championship if they win, and the way they will challenge us is through their forward pack," he said."There is never a weak French scrum, and as an outfit, regardless of results, that area of the game is something we always respect." France coach Philippe Saint-Andre says his team are treating the clash as their "Grand Slam" match. "We will need to bring enthusiasm and confidence into the game," said Saint-Andre. "We will not beat England by doing nothing. Going to Twickenham is a fantastic challenge. "I want to be proud of a team who will go there to give 120% of what they have." Fly-half Frederic Michalak, whose starting place is thought to be under threat following the defeats against Italy and Wales, added: "We are going to play against one of the best teams in the world. "We're going to play with our heart and defend our colours. I hope it will go our way. It would be the icing on the cake. "It's always special to play against England. We will try to dig and find something we have not found yet. "France against England at Twickenham - it's the ideal place against the ideal rival. Six Nations highlights 2012: France 22-24 England "You can't dream of a better stage - 80,000 supporters with all the folklore that goes with it. I can't wait." Loose-head prop Thomas Domingo has been recalled after missing France's opening two matches, and Rowntree thinks Saint-Andre will give the Clermont forward a starting berth. "We are preparing for Domingo and I think he will start," added the 41-year-old. "We have been watching him play for Clermont. He has been around that setup for a few years now. He is an incredible scrummager - a compact little unit, but technically very good." |