“We expect to beat England,” France captain Thierry Dusautoir
France travel to HQ on the back of two defeats in the opening rounds of the Six Nations and face an English side determined to win their first Grand Slam in ten years.
But the Toulouse flanker is certain his teammates can rise to the challenge and get back to winning ways despite making eight changes to the matchday squad.
He told The Rugby Paper: “We know we’ll have to play a very good game and a lot of people have already written us off but we expect to win tomorrow.
“England are the dominant force in Europe right now but we focused a lot on ourselves and our game. We have to confident about what we can do on the pitch.
“There have been changes in the team but, bar two players, the guys coming in have been in the France set-up for a while now and they know how we play the game.
“Previous French teams set the record straight when they had their backs against the wall and it’s a challenge we all want to take on.
“The guys want to show everyone the true face of the French team. It’s not the easiest of games to do it but we will show our true colours.”
The last time France had their backs against the wall they bounced back to send England packing in the World Cup quarter-finals in 2011 – and nearly became World Champions two weeks later.
But while Dusautoir wishes the outcome of the game will be the same, he is also aware both teams are at a different stage now, especially with the emergence of Manu Tuilagi as a genuine world-beater.
He added: “I hope it’ll be the same result than in 2011. But it’s a totally different situation now.
“They are a different team and so are we. We had a lot of experience back then and that’s why we focussed on our game a lot.
“Manu is an exceptional player with the power he brings to their midfield. His partnership with Brad Barritt seems to be crucial in their game behind their strong pack. Our defence will have to be at its best.”
England have made two changes to their starting pack and while forwards coach Yannick Bru admits he was expecting such changes, he also recognises the new dimension Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes will bring to the England pack.
“Stuart Lancaster must have seen we over-used our forwards against Wales so it’s not surprising to see him start with Hartley and Lawes,” he said.
“They’ll bring their physicality while also being great assets in the lineout. It’s more surprising to see Lawes start at blindside but he’s very mobile and better in the air than James Haskell.
“Regardless, it’s going to a tough battle up front.”
NICK VERDIER
