France seek to end England’s bid for grand slam
Fading French make seven changes to thwart hosts’ march on perfect Six Nations at Twickenham
Rarely can France have been in such need of a win at Twickenham as they will be when they try to salvage a flagging season by stopping England's bid for a Six Nations grand slam in its tracks today.
Pre-tournament favourites France, arguably just one refereeing decision away from winning the 2011 World Cup final, are now bottom of the Six Nations table after defeats by Italy and Wales.
Yet for all it is a cliché, no side in world rugby has the capacity to go from the supine to sublime in the space of a couple of matches like "Les Bleus".
And much-criticised coach Philippe Saint-Andre, who as a dashing France wing had a key role in some sensational test tries, tried to rally his side by urging them to live up to the best traditions of French rugby
"The English will start favourites," he said. "We will have to show all our qualities of being French on Saturday - that means being brave, daring, unpredictable and to take the fight to them.
"When we are able to do that, we are able to pose problems for any team in the world."