Rugby Union: France vs England Six Nations Preview

England cross the Channel for their fifth game of the tournament as they take on France at the Stade Francais this Sunday at 3pm. Despite the constant media buzz of speculation over the future of his role as England manager, Stuart Lancaster has insisted it is business as normal and picked the same side that just lost to Wales in the last round as he continued to show faith in a side that sees Lee Dickson, Ben Morgan and Geoff Parling make their second starts, while Farrell continues at fly half. The loyalty to those players who had served him so well so far this tournament meant that Charlie Hodgson returns to the bench after a hand injury meaning Toby Flood was sent back to his club, much to the consternation of the Tigers coaching staff. Despite their criticisms, Flood has yet to show sparkling form that could justify a place in the starting xv, and with such an inexperienced side, both in terms of caps and time together, it is understandable why Lancaster wants to keep the same side. Meanwhile France boss Phillipe Saint Andre also looked for consistency in his selection unlike his predecessor. The only changes to the starting line up were at half back, as Morgan Parra and Francois Trinh-Duc were replaced by the less experienced and more kick minded Julien Dupuy and Lionel Beauxis at nine and ten respectively. With England making strides in the game against Wales, those back at Twickenham will be looking for more of the same. To win in Paris against a France side that has looked frighteningly good in flashes will prove the biggest challenge for this young English side, but that isn€™t to say they couldn€™t give it a good go. England so far have shown glimpse of becoming a great side, but still only have two charge down tries to their name. This is a statistic that must change for them to have a chance of winning this game, their much improved rush defence will no doubt subdue the French half backs for most of the game, but not all. Key will be the involvement of Manu Tuilagi as he increasingly a focus point when England look to get over the gain line. The back three will no doubt be tested and how they return the ball, and more crucially, how they are supported, could be an outlet for an England attack desperate to show they can score tries through their own efforts, not the mistakes of others. The bookies will be backing a home side that is starting to combine the Gallic flair and power we know them for with a stable set piece, consistency and better (if not good) discipline. It is a game England are not expected to win so it is up to them to upset the balance, but this game may be a game too far for Lancaster€™s men. But they will certainly make it as difficult as possible for their hosts, meaning we may get quite a tight match decided by the boot of Beauxis and that man Farrell. Update: Charlie Sharples was a late like-for-like replacement for David Strettle, the winger who was within inches of winning the game against Wales haven fallen foul to a sternum injury. England: Ben Foden; Chris Ashton, Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt, Charlie Sharples; Owen Farrell, Lee Dickson; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole; Mouritz Botha, Geoff Parling; Tom Croft, Chris Robshaw (captain), Ben Morgan. Replacements: Rob Webber, Matt Stevens, Tom Palmer, Phil Dowson, Ben Youngs, Charlie Hodgson, Mike Brown. France: Clement Poitrenaud; Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Wesley Fofana, Julien Malzieu; Lionel Beauxis, Julien Dupuy; Jean-Baptiste Poux, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Pape, Yoann Maestri, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy. Replacements: William Servat, Vincent Debaty, Lionel Nallet, Louis Picamoles, Francois Trinh-Duc, Morgan Parra, Maxime Mermoz.