Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
THERE’LL BE FIREWORKS WARNS TE’0
England, today 4.45pm
BEN TE’O has promised “fireworks” when England and France collide in what Eddie Jones has billed as a “test of manhood”.
With the back-to-back champions needing a win to keep their hat-trick bid alive, former Leinster star Te’o (above left) has been recalled to deliver Jones’ demand for a “brutal” Red Rose display.
“There’s a lot of history to the game,” said the Lions centre, who had played down historical relevance ahead of England’s Murrayfield misadventure.
“We’re two physical teams across the water from each other, so obviously there are going to be fireworks.
“There’s a fierce rivalry and there have been plenty of great games. I’m sure the fans can’t wait to see how it will play out.” Jones expects a response to defeat last time out and says that Te’o will set the tone by “getting an early shot” on opposite number Mathieu Bastareaud (above right).
“He’s a bit of an icon player for them,” Jones said. “He’s been built up as the guy who’s going to regenerate French rugby.
“So it’s important that, early in the game, we let him know he’s going to have a tough day in the office.
“We have to be brutal against the French. You know every time you play against them it is a test of your manhood.”
England, five points behind Ireland whom they play next weekend, know anything less than maximum points could end their title challenge today – and they have never scored four tries on a Six Nations visit to Paris.