Graham Rowntree has braced Twickenham for a thunderous forward collision as England launch their final assault on the 2015 Six Nations title.
– #360fans: Italy vs Wales Six Nations – UAE rugby supporters preview
– AD Sarries show their bottle to upset Doha and clinch first silverware
– #360rugby: VOTE now in the UAE Rugby Annual Awards 2015
Ireland and Wales are also in the hunt for the crown on a day promising captivating sporting theatre that will unfold over three staggered kick-offs with points difference almost certain to decide the outcome.
Bringing down the curtain is England’s clash with France and it is the Red Rose who occupy pole position knowing exactly what is required to win a first piece of silverware under head coach Stuart Lancaster.
Pivotal to the outcome at Twickenham will be the battle between two huge packs with muscular reinforcements awaiting orders on the bench.
England are relaxed ahead of a massive game. Watch @chrisrobshaw and @joemarler on a belting player diary #ENGvFRA https://t.co/wxH9anUVxC
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 20, 2015
“France’s pack are always a challenge. They’re huge men,” forwards coach and former England prop Rowntree said. “They’re always a real test. You don’t get many tougher tests as a forward than playing against a French pack.
“Last weekend they used their size to their advantage against Italy. They scrummed well against Italy and drove well. There aren’t many teams doing that to Italy at the moment and I’ve no doubt they’ll come to Twickenham looking to do the same to us.
“Two years ago we were lucky to win here. They played exceptionally well and that was a really tough day at the office for us up front. The forward battle is just one battle we’ll have to win. “There is a real hunger and determination about the players this week.
“Any French team that comes to Twickenham is a handful, regardless of what’s riding on the game.”
Wales open a nerve-jangling final afternoon in Rome before attention switches to Edinburgh where Ireland will seek to overhaul England’s points cushion of plus four and set their main rivals a challenging target. Italy and Scotland will not simply roll over, however, as the Six Nations draws to a dramatic close.
Meanwhile, captain Thierry Dusautoir insists France’s fierce rivalry with England will underpin their desire to ruin Twickenham’s Six Nations title celebrations.
Les Bleus have an outside chance of being crowned champions but it would take a highly unlikely sequence of results for them to lift the trophy ahead of England, Ireland or Wales.
Dusautoir admits that simply toppling the Red Rose would be reward in itself.
“This fixture is something really important for both teams. You call it the ‘Le Crunch’,” Dusautoir said. “There’s a reason for that and that’s because of the rivalry between the teams and countries when it comes to sport.
“It’s an important game for both sides. “I’m sure that beyond the result and the Six Nations, England will be ready just because they’re playing France.
“When you’re playing at under-20 level you understand the rivalry between the teams. It would be a great performance for us to win. Personally, I’ve never won at Twickenham. It would be a great achievement that for this team.
“England are playing really good rugby and it would be nice to beat them at Twickenham.”
France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre wants his players to prove their World Cup credentials. He said: “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.”
