England's Mako Vunipola delivered a "phenomenal" performance in their Six Nations win over Ireland last week and the prop's influence will again be crucial in today's game against France.
Vunipola, back after a calf injury ruled him out of their November internationals, made 27 tackles and carried 11 times in 77 minutes on the pitch as Eddie Jones's men stunned Ireland 32-20 in Dublin.
And after England delivered what was widely acclaimed as the best performance of his reign thus far, Jones has promised that they will be even better against France today.
Jones announced a team with two changes from the 32-20 Dublin victory as Chris Ashton replaced Jack Nowell on the wing and lock Courtney Lawes starts in place of the injured Maro Itoje. Joe Launchbury brings more second-row bulk to the bench.
Props Dan Cole, who has not played for England for 11 months, and Ben Moon, who made his debut in November, are also among the replacements to combat an enormous French pack. Winger Joe Cokanasiga and flanker Brad Shields were the men trimmed from the provisional squad.
BOLD STATEMENT
"I've got no doubt we'll be better this week. Last week was just the start," Jones told reporters. "This week even our training was of a much higher quality than we had in Portugal. I've got no doubt we are going to be better." It was a bold statement by the Australian following a superb all-round show against the grand slam champions. but captain Owen Farrell agreed.
"It's not about Ireland any more, it's about us moving forward," he said. "We have spent a bit more time together which is brilliant, we feel like we are building something and getting better the more time we spend together." Ashton has scored 20 tries in 43 England matches, though he has not managed one in five games against France.
As ever, Jones played down the significance of his switch with Nowell saying only that he had a "gut feeling" that Ashton, who will be making his first Six Nations start for six years, would be right for the beginning of the match and Nowell was better suited for the latter stages.
"Jack was absolutely outstanding for us last week, so it's just a different role for him," he said. "At the end of the game his work-rate is going to be important."
France got off to a rocky beginning last week, blowing a 16-0 halftime lead to lose 24-19 at home to Wales after a series of blunders. They also have a poor recent record at Twickenham, having won once there in the Six Nations this century.
They have made six changes for today's game, including the return of giant centre Mathieu Bastareaud.
"They rely a lot on individual talents," Jones said...