NTAMACK AND FRANCE DARE TO DREAM OF SLAM

ROMAIN NTAMACK said France’s Grand Slam showdown with England on Saturday was the ‘ideal scenario’ — but warned Eddie Jones’ side will be out to ruin their Six Nations party in Paris.

France moved to within 80 minutes of their first Championship clean sweep and title since 2010 with a backs-to-the-wall 13-9 victory over Wales in Cardiff on Friday.

Fabien Galthie’s side now have only England as their final hurdle to overcome.

‘It’s the ideal scenario and the scenario we wanted before the start of this tournament,’ said France fly-half Ntamack. ‘We had to work hard to defeat the Welsh and we’re in contention for the final.

‘We are very happy. We have won four matches and there is one left to play, but before talking about a Grand Slam, we will have to prepare well for the English who will want to spoil the party.’

France were nowhere near their best at Principality Stadium and they were pushed all the way by a gritty Wales display, yet still they came away with a fourth straight Six Nations success.

‘Now we can start mentioning it (a Grand Slam) because we are just one game away,’ said France scrum-half and captain Antoine Dupont.

‘It’s very flattering to be praised by other teams. We will see who the best in the world is later. For several games we have been playing better in defence and we’ll try to do it again.

‘We have to be better in attack and in our kicking game. We had difficulties in both those areas in the first half against Wales. We have areas we can improve and we will have to improve.’

Anthony Jelonch scored the only try at Principality Stadium to hand France — whose Shaun Edwardsinspired defence was outstanding — victory in Cardiff.

Their win was all the more impressive given Covid-19 and illness had hit the French camp in the build-up to the game.

England’s defeat by Ireland at Twickenham means they cannot win the title. But they can deny France a moment of glory and give Irish supporters hope of Championship success.

‘There is one match left to write our history,’ said France lock Paul Willemse.

‘This is the first time we have said we want to win titles because now we have the opportunity. You can be sure we will go all out.’

France have looked like rugby’s coming force since they put 40 points on New Zealand last autumn and a Grand Slam would cement their status as among the favourites for their home World Cup in 2023. England will have to produce their best performance of the Six Nations to beat them.

Wales, meanwhile, will face Italy on the final weekend with Alun Wyn Jones back in Wayne

Pivac’s squad after his recovery from a shoulder injury which has sidelined him since October.

‘It’s amazing. Someone like him (Jones) with the experience and energy he brings into the group is only a plus,’ said Wales No8 Taulupe Faletau, who was outstanding against France.

‘I am sure the rest of the group will feed off him.’