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Head to head: England manager Martin Johnson has done his best to deflect the pressure from his struggling side by claiming France have everything to lose as they bid to complete the Grand Slam.
Privately however Johnson knows that a heavy defeat in Paris will take criticism of his management team to a new level of intensity, and critics will scent blood. Victory however would underpin Johnson’s oft-repeated view that progress is being made as it would give England a better return that last season’s championship.
France coach Marc Lievremont, who could do no right 12 months ago when England romped to a 34-10 victory, is now the man of the moment and the rewards of his controversial tinkering early in his tenure now look rich indeed.
Pitch battle
Mathieu Bastareaud has been the most destructive centre of the championship, with even Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll, normally a ferocious defender, struggling to contain the powerhouse 21-year-old.
England’s recall of the experienced and physically imposing Mike Tindall is a direct response to Bastareaud’s midfield threat but with just three Premiership starts for Gloucester since his 16-week absence with a hamstring injury, Tindall’s lack of match fitness and sharpness could prove costly.
However, should Tindall be able to contain his opposite number, as he did with aplomb in England’s victory over France at Twickenham last season, the visitors will be in with a chance.
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