France will hope to secure back-to-back Six Nations titles as they welcome a struggling England to Paris in the tournament’s final fixture.
A remarkable defeat to Scotland in a 90-point epic ended France’s chances of a grand slam, but Fabien Galthie’s side remain in control of their own destiny and know they need to either win or draw with a four-try bonus point to secure the crown after Ireland beat Scotland earlier on “Super Saturday”.
England, meanwhile, are reeling after a first-ever defeat to Italy extended their losing run to three matches, heightening the scrutiny on Steve Borthwick.
Never previously have they finished a Six Nations campaign with just a single victory, and they will have to upset their hosts at the Stade de France to avoid that ignominy.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is France vs England?
France vs England is due to kick off at 8.10pm GMT on Saturday 14 March at the Stade de France in Paris.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 7.20pm GMT. A live stream will be available via ITVX.
Team news
France are forced into a reshuffle in the back five of their pack, with Oscar Jegou suspended following an eye-gouging incident and Anthony Jelonch absent due to a hamstring strain. Charles Ollivon shifts from lock to No 8 as Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou form a familiar second row pairing, while Temo Matiu – in excellent form for Bordeaux Begles this season – will make his debut.
There is an enforced switch in the backline, too, as Pierre-Louis Barassi joins Yoram Moefana in midfield after injury to Nicolas Depoortere.
England make just a single change to the side beaten by Italy in Rome, though it is a relatively significant one. Ollie Chessum, more often a lock, makes his first start in the back for England since this fixture in Lyon two years ago as Steve Borthwick shifts his strategy on the flanks. Guy Pepper moves over to the openside with Tom Curry ruled out with a calf issue.
The same backline is picked again looking to show greater cohesion and connection to take their chances in Paris. Among the replacements, both Sam Underhill and Marcus Smith are in line to win their 50th caps.
Line-ups
France XV: 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri; 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Emmanuel Meafou; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Temo Matiu, 8 Charles Ollivon; 9 Antoine Dupont (capt.), 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 14 Theo Attissogbe; 15 Thomas Ramos.
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Joshua Brennan; 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Emilien Gailleton.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Alex Coles; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Cadan Murley, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Tommy Freeman, 14 Tom Roebuck; 15 Elliot Daly.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
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