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Paris. With just one win standing between unbeaten France and its first Six Nations Grand Slam title since 2004, coach Marc Lievremont’s team is wary ahead of Saturday’s decisive encounter against England.

France demolished defending Grand Slam champion Ireland 33-10, won away at Scotland and survived a second-half onslaught in Wales, yet the French seem more preoccupied with talking up Martin Johnson’s England team.

“We have more to lose than them,” Lievremont said. “The English will be fighting for their pride.”

France still carries the scars of major defeats to England, including losses in World Cup semifinals in 2003 and 2007, and more recently a 34-10 thrashing at Twickenham during last year’s Six Nations.

“In every important match the English have won by preying on our errors, waiting for our mistakes,” France captain Thierry Dusautoir said.

In theory, France has little to worry about after heavily outscoring England 13-5 in tries and boasting the best forward pack in the Six Nations. The French front five totally dominated World Cup winner South Africa’s forwards in a 20-13 win in November.

But Dusautoir acknowledges that nerves are jangling and that underneath the veneer of confidence gained from scoring around 30 points scored per game on average, the French still worry about England.

Johnson’s tactical changes — dropping flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson to the bench in favor of Toby Flood and recalling center Mike Tindall — have not changed Lievremont’s way of thinking.

Even without Wilkinson, dropped for just the third time in his career, Lievremont thinks England poses the same threat.

“He was not there last year and that did not stop us conceding more than 30 points,” Lievremont said.

Barring a surprise at Stade de France, there is nothing second-place Ireland can do against Scotland that will matter.

Only sufficiently large wins for both England and Ireland can rob France of a Six Nations title.

Despite a string of injuries to key players, France has maintained its consistency without sacrificing flair. The strength of the French Top 14 league is a big factor, according to center Mathieu Bastareaud.

“We’re permanently in competition with each other. Obviously that raises everyone’s game,” he said.

After resisting widespread calls for change after each uninspiring match, Johnson made six for Saturday’s team.

The return of Tindall, Riki Flutey and Flood means England starts with the same midfield that mauled the French last season.


Associated Press