Grand Slam beckons for France, another inquest for England – 5 talking points

Victory in Paris on Saturday would earn the hosts a first Six Nations title since 2010.

England and France will bring the 2022 Guinness Six Nations to a close when they meet in Paris on Saturday.

Here, the PA news agency examines five talking points as France stand on the brink of securing their first silverware for over a decade.

Pressure mounts

Another inquest into Eddie Jones’ flailing England project beckons if they are dispatched in Paris, as seems likely. A third-place finish is the best his team can hope for, while the bleakest scenario is to end up fifth for the second year running. Jones is aware that the stakes are high, admitting that “we need results” in a departure from his usual stance on demanding he is judged on the World Cup alone. Yet, if England again collapse to an unacceptable third defeat of the tournament, history suggests the Rugby Football Union is unlikely to act beyond conducting a review.

A roll of the dice

England boss Eddie Jones is under pressure heading into the final round of the Six Nations (Mike Egerton/PA)

Thriving in adversity

England went down fighting against Ireland at Twickenham (David Davies/PA)

Worthy winners in waiting

Bookmakers view France as eight-point favourites and, if they complete the Grand Slam to register a first Six Nations title since 2010, it is hard to imagine a single voice of complaint. Defeating title rivals Ireland 30-24 in round two was a pivotal moment and even their recent wobble in Cardiff demonstrated the new strain of defensive resilience instilled by Shaun Edwards. They kick more than any team, but only Ireland have score more tries – 20 compared to their 14 – and in half-backs Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack they possess two of the game’s most creative talents.

Continuity pays off

As Jones chops and changes in selection – Furbank, Nick Isiekwe, Joe Launchbury, Joe Marchant and Max Malins have passed through the revolving door in this Six Nations – France are remarkably settled. Historically, they have undertaken regular surgery to their side, especially at half-back, where now Dupont and Ntamack benefit from being undisputed starters. Eleven players have started all four matches so far, with all but one change a result of absentees through Covid, while a total of 26 personnel have been used.