Heinz and Co keen to hit heights

Willi Heinz refuses to place limitations on England’s potential in the belief the World Cup semi-final rout of New Zealand can be repeated on a consistent basis.

Thepost-Japan era begins against France in Paris on Sunday when Eddie Jones’ title favourites aim to launch their Six Nations bid with a statement performance that proves the 32-12 defeat by South Africa in the Yokohama show piece was an aberration.

Around earlier, the All Blacks were overwhelmed in one of the finest occasions in England’ s history and Heinz insists that famous day must serve as thet eam’s aspirational target.

“The New Zealand game is the blueprint for how we want to play the game. It’s definitely repeatable,” said the Gloucester scrum-half.

“There are no limits to how hard you can work, there are no limits to the intent and energy you can bring to a game.”

France have named Romain Ntamack at fly-half for Sunday’s clash. Ntamack joins Antonie Dupont at half-back after edging Matthieu Jalibert for the role of conductor in chief.

Two uncapped players, full-back Anthony Bouthier and tight-head prop Mohamed Haouas – both of Montpellier – start the match.

● Saracens centre Nick Tompkins looks set to make his Wales debut after being named on the bench for the Guinness Six Nations opener against Italy.

New Wales head coach Wayne P iv ac’ s starting line-up includes a Test debut for Scarlets wing Johnny Mc Nicholl, while fit-again Bath number eight Tau lupe Faletau is recalled.