Robshaw looks for rookie repeat in Paris

TWO years ago, Chris Robshaw led an England team full of rookies to a famous win in Paris but he accepts it will be hard to make lightning strike twice. For all their development since that stunning 2012 victory, and for all the problems experienced by France, England face an onerous task on Saturday. Once again, they are

crossing the Channel armed with several players of raw potential in their starting XV, hoping that bold selections pay off and new combinations gel. It is a telling fact that none of the three try-scorers from the last encounter in the French capital — Manu Tuilagi, Ben Foden and Tom Croft — are available to coach Stuart Lancaster this time due to injuries. Recalling the 2012 match, Robshaw said: ‘I remember in that game we were a foot away from losing it if they had got that dropped goal (at the end). ‘It was a game we probably weren’t expected to win. ‘We rode our luck a bit and there were three moments of brilliance from guys. I am sure France will be a bit more up for it this time, so we need to make sure we bring that same intensity.’ After noting every backline’s desire to play behind a dominant pack, Robshaw was asked — hypothetically — if he thought the French backs would relish playing behind England’s young, but ever more assertive, pack. He said: ‘Yeah… you would hope so, wouldn’t you? You would like teams to look at your side and want to have certain aspects of it because it means you’re doing well. ‘That’s the challenge for us as a forward pack now. ‘Sides are potentially noticing us and treating us with respect. We have to make it count.’