England’s Hughes seeks ‘big start’ in France Six Nations clash

LONDON: Nathan Hughes says England will be looking for a “big start” against France in the Six Nations on Saturday, desperate to bounce back from the defeat to Scotland that ended their Grand Slam hopes.

The Wasps No.8, who returned from injury in the loss in Edinburgh, believes England need to come out of the blocks strongly against Les Bleus if they are to secure backto-back wins in the French capital following their 2016 victory.

The defending Six Nations champions are second in the table after their shock 25-13 defeat against Scotland, with Grand Slam-chasing Ireland favourites to win the tournament.

Captain Dylan Hartley is a doubt for the game in Paris while Jack Nowell and Sam Underhill have been ruled out.

“Our mentality this week is to have a big start,” said the 26-year-old Hughes, who was born in Fiji.

“With France they’ve got big boys so if we can move them around in the early part of the game then that’ll be a big bonus for us, and (if we can) keep the scoreboard ticking.

“If we can create that big mountain for them to climb I think it will be quite hard for them to get back.”

There is rain forecast at the Stade de France this weekend for the clash between England and fifth-placed France, which Hughes said could be a factor. - AFP