The Sunday Times' Stuart Barnes says a shock could be in store but only if France freeze on the big stage again.
"Martin Johnson’s team has only produced one performance of adequate quality and that was against France at Twickenham last season when the visitors were nothing short of humiliated. If there is one European nation with a track record to scare the life out of France, it is England.
"It is because of these psychological connotations that this game remains a compelling prospect despite the evidence screaming "mismatch". On all known form lines the match is merely a matter of how much? France have played some sumptuous stuff this season, especially at home, while England – far from making progress – have regressed an alarming distance in the last twelve months.
"It is a watershed match for both nations. France are undoubtedly a more talented side than England. They have the beating of them in every tangible department but there is hope for Johnson; hope that France will fail to handle the dual pressure of a match to win the grand slam and a game against their bête noir."
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