Lawes: France like a bit of a rest
have been as a team. The game has changed a lot in terms of speed and strength and we can work it in our favour by keeping that ball moving and use that fitness. We train hard and work hard for each other and we want to put that into action on the field.”
“France, however, are a big group of boys who enjoy the physical side of the game. They also like to play at their own pace. They like a bit of rest now and then.”
France boast one of the biggest packs ever in Test rubgy and have also recalled Mathieu Bastareud to beef up the midfeld.
“I guess you have to play to your strengths and their strength is their size,” Lawes adds.
“Hopefully, they will go out there and play the game like we do, but I think they will want to slow the game and play in short, sharp bursts. There’s only so much we can control in terms of what they do and what the referee decides.
“But we are confident that with the players we have we can put a lot of pressure on them, especially at line-outs. If they want to take their time coming in to tie their shoe laces it gives us more time to work out numbers and strategise on how we’re going to win that ball.”
England endured a miserable time in Paris last year when they were outmuscled and eventually out-gunned 22-16 at the Stade de France.
However, the French will have to overcome a few mental hang-ups today if they are to repeat that performance and result in South West London.
They have not enjoyed a happy or successful visit to the home of English rugby since they triumphed there in a World Cup warm-up clash back in 2007.
England have beaten them six times at Twickenham since then, and Lawes is confident a seventh is in the offing following last weekend’s unexpectedly decisive defeat of the Irish.
The Northampton lock insists: “They are a different team from last year and so are we. So there is no point wondering why they did this or that to us in Paris.
“France have a big job on their hands against us. We need to make a similar quick start to Dublin and then keep control of the game.”