France should follow England's example, says Philippe Saint-Andre

France should follow England's example when it comes to looking after their players and not overloading the schedule, French coach Philippe Saint-Andre said.

The 45-year-old, who spent over eight years coaching in England, said the lack of time allowed for top players to develop their skills had hindered and would continue to hinder the national side.

Saint-Andre, who filled the vacuum left by the unpredictable Marc Lievremont when he stepped down after the 2011 World Cup final defeat by the All Blacks, acknowledges his task of landing the Six Nations title this season is already difficult with three away games.

However, he claimed he would be more comforted had he felt the players were arriving relatively fresh.

"We are going into the Six Nations on the back of four successive wins [the three November tests plus a win over Argentina on their summer tour]," said the 69-times capped former France wing and captain who coached France to fourth in his first Six Nations last year.

"However, the players were fresh then. I don't know in what state I will have them now after Top 14 games and the European Cup pool matches."