England face old rivals France in the Six Nations on Saturday at Twickenham.

Whilst England’s title hopes are all but over, France are looking to get their Grand Slam bid back on track.

The French are unbeaten in the Six Nations so far but have not played in a month after a coronavirus outbreak postponed their game against Scotland two weeks ago.

With a rich history between the two sides and plenty of pride on the line, this Six Nation tie will be a highly contested battle between two old enemies.

Story So Far

Both sides have endured varying campaigns so far, with England underperforming massively from their World Cup final form in 2019.

England have fell short so far in the tournament, losing disappointingly to Wales and Scotland but managed to beat bottom placed Italy 41-18.

However, France are two from two beating Italy 50-10 and then edging Ireland 15-13.

They did have their tournament derailed, temporarily, with a coronavirus outbreak and they haven’t played since their February 14 game against Ireland.

History

The side share a rich history and this game labelled ‘Le Crunch’ has taken place 106 times since 1906.

England have been victorious on 59 occasions and France 41, with seven draws.

Over the last 30 years or so, there have been plenty of tense and decisive games between the sides spanning across all the major competitions.

That rivalry has picked up in recent times, as France have built a more formidable team.

With England down and out and France hoping to challenging for the Six Nations crown, it will be up to England to stop their old foes, playing for pride and to stop their rivals from achieving glory.

Team News

England’s side has been announced and it sees a first start for Max Malins, after he was named as a full back for the game.

The 24-year-old’s form for the Bristol Bears has been rewarded and he is one of three changes from the side beaten by Wales.

With Luke Cowan-Dickie starting at hooker and Charlie Ewels named in the second row.

Experienced duo Elliot Daly and Jamie George drop to the bench, as does lock Jonny Hill.

Centre Ollie Lawrence is also included in the matchday squad of 23.

England: Malins; Watson, Slade, Farrell, May; Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, Cowan-Dickie, Sinckler, Itoje, Ewels, Wilson, Curry, B Vunipola.

Replacements: George, Genge, Stuart, Hill, Earl, Robson, Lawrence, Daly.

France’s side sees centre Virimi Vakatawa return after missing wins over Ireland and Italy.

Romain Ntamack returns from a jaw injury, but is only available on the bench despite forming a key partnership who with Antoine Dupont.

France: Dulin, Thomas, Vakatawa,  Fickou,  Penaud, Jalibert, Dupont, Baille, Marchand, Haouas, Taofifenua, Willemse, Cretin, Ollivon (c) Alldritt.

Replacements: Chat, Baptiste Gros, Aldegheri, Cazeaux, Woki, Jelonch, Serin, Ntamack

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