Six Nations: England-France forward battle holds key for Graham Rowntree

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree expects Saturday’s Six Nations game against France to be decided by the battle of the packs.

The game at Twickenham brings down the curtain on this season’s championship and England will know exactly what is required to win the title by the time they kick off following Wales’ game in Italy and Ireland’s showdown with Scotland at Murrayfield.

Stuart Lancaster’s side currently top the table on points difference from Ireland and Wales, although France still have an outside chance of glory.

Both England and France have a powerful set of forwards and Rowntree is hopeful his charges will come out on top.

"France's pack are always a challenge. They're huge men," he said. "They're always a real test. You don't get many tougher tests as a forward than playing against a French pack.

"Last weekend they used their size to their advantage against Italy. They scrummed well against Italy and drove well.

You don't get many tougher tests as a forward than playing against a French pack.

"There aren't many teams doing that to Italy at the moment and I've no doubt they'll come to Twickenham looking to do the same to us.

"Two years ago we were lucky to win here. They played exceptionally well and that was a really tough day at the office for us up front. The forward battle is just one battle we'll have to win.

Hunger and determination

"There is a real hunger and determination about the players this week. Any French team that comes to Twickenham is a handful, regardless of what's riding on the game."

The extent of England’s task will depend on the outcomes in Rome and Edinburgh, but Rowntree’s main focus remains on Twickenham.  

"I'm not sure about the other games. Obviously we'll have an eye on them, but it's about us," Rowntree said.

"It's an over-used phrase, but this game is all about us and our performance. We've focused on that all week and the guys have performed really well in training.

"There has been a real bite to training. We've had to train smart - it's about leaving plenty in the tank for a big performance.

"We have to make the most of France having had a six-day turn around and certainly we've looked after the guys this week. We've trained sharply.

"There is a real hunger to perform well and take our chances. We were a bit frustrated that we didn't do that against Scotland and everyone can see that."

Caution

Rowntree was cautious over relating England's World Cup prospects on home soil to whether they are able to improve on a sequence of three successive runners-up finishes in the Six Nations.

"Winning would certainly be a great experience for us. We could do with winning any Championship, any trophy, but that will come on the back of performance," he said.

England have made one change to their starting XV with Geoff Parling replacing Dave Attwood in the second row, while Nick Easter returns to the bench.

"It was a very tough decision to drop Dave and that was always going to be the case when you have a full deck of cards to select from, which we almost have now," Rowntree said.

"It's tough on Dave because he's been very good for us. His performance against Wales was outstanding, but Geoff brings experience and leadership at the line out.

"Nick has been great for us and I can't speak highly enough about him coming back into this group.

"He gives us flexibility covering three positions and gives us raw horsepower off the bench."