STEWARD READY

FREDDIE Steward has never seen a France win in the Six Nations at Twickenham and plans to keep it that way.

england take on the reigning Grand Slam champions this evening with history on their side, having not lost le Crunch at home for 18 years.

Steward (below) is too young to remember Dimitri Yachvili booting France to victory in 2005, given he had only just turned four.

It would be another two years before parents Ben and Jane persuaded england’s future fullback to join in his first game of tag.

Record

Steward is now the inform 15 in world rugby, man of the match in england’s away win over Wales last time out.

France are also enjoying a purple patch, winning 15 of their last 16 Tests, yet acknowledge that Twickenham record is a millstone around their neck.

“It gives england a lot of reason to be confident,” said team manager Raphael Ibanez.

“It shows the measure and the extent of the job ahead of us.”

Steward says it is imperative england start strongly.

“We understand we need to come out of the blocks fast and make a statement that we’re not just there to roll over,” he said. “We’re going to give them a good go. Often the first 10 minutes is the most demanding.

“Their forward pack is absolutely ginormous. It’s going to be a big, physical, abrasive battle.”

The tone will be set in the changing room by new captain ellis Genge, using what he terms “underdog psychology” to make his pitch.

“The way he talks he really fires you up,” said Steward. “It is a great strength of his, one which is quite rare in leaders.

“The way he carries himself stirs something inside you. You would run through a brick wall for him. He gets everyone to fly in.”