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February 26, 2011

Posted on 02/26/2011

England must inspire

Martin Johnson's men must stick to their principles to beat French at Twickenham, according to the Daily Telegraph's Will Greenwood.

"On Saturday, it is all about England and their ability to inspire, to play from their own goal line, to have beautiful angles and support play. But while the natural order may be wobbling, it will be interesting to see how long it all lasts. The pressure of this fixture can easily see players revert to type. That will be the challenge for both France and England this afternoon: sticking to their game plan.

"You can trace the current topsy turvy state of Anglo-Franco relations back a year to England’s 12-10 loss in Paris. Ignore the score, look at the game. It was perhaps the day the beast was unleashed in this England team.

"They finally grew some teeth. France had to resort to strong-arm tactics to squeeze England.
The scrum won France five penalties and with it the scoreboard. Chris Ashton butchered a chance, kicked far too early with one man to beat. Johnson let his own demons out, waiting for the referee at half-time, to “discuss” the first half.

"But in defeat there was a tipping point for England. Dan Cole and Dylan Hartley substituted after 40; proactive moves to change the game. Johnson showed he was not afraid to do what needed to be done. Suddenly a team that had looked like flat-lining stepped up."

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