France vs. England: Date, Live Stream, TV Info and Six Nations 2016 Preview
England will be desperate to cap off a glorious Six Nations campaign with a flourish in Paris on Saturday night, as they face France knowing a Grand Slam is there for the taking.
Eddie Jones’ side narrowly got the better of Wales last weekend, and when France lost to Scotland, it confirmed England as the tournament champions. However, the prestige at stake for notching wins in all five of their matches will not have escaped these players as they stand on the cusp of history.
Indeed, not since the World Cup-winning side of 2003 has this feat been achieved by England. Here are the key viewing details to see if they can deliver, where to watch the clash via a stream and a look ahead to what should be a special occasion in Paris.
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Date: Saturday, March 19
Time: 8 p.m. (GMT)
Live Stream: BBC iPlayer (UK)
England Seeking to Make History
The team that spearheaded England to Grand Slam success and the World Cup in 2003 is rated as one of the top outfits in the sport’s history, and following in those footsteps is certainly a positive way to begin his tenure.
England had to hold off a late rally from Wales in their last outing to win 25-21, with Twickenham watching on nervously. A key part of that resistance was Maro Itoje, who shone in what was just his second start in the iconic white jersey.
As noted by the ITV Rugby Twitter feed, Wales really struggled to contain him in the opening period of the contest:
It was a win that sets England up well for Paris. After France suffered a disappointing loss to Scotland in their fourth match of the tournament, Jones will be confident his men can clinch the Grand Slam.
Indeed, as we can see courtesy of BBC Sport, that is the team's aim:
France are clearly vulnerable. After a bright start to the tournament with wins over Italy and Ireland, they’ve wilted on trips away from home, with Wales and then Scotland able to get the better of them.
They crumbled to a 29-18 loss at Murrayfield, with Scotland’s Stuart Hogg running the visitors ragged all afternoon.
Despite the clear inconsistencies in the France team, former England captain Will Carling has encouraged this weekend’s visitors not to approach this one with any complacency:
England lost at this venue in the 2014 tournament and in a warm-up match for the World Cup last year, although they have a pretty decent record overall at a stadium that is one of the most atmospheric in the competition, winning on three of their last six visits.
As the strongest and most organised outfit in the Six Nations, they should feel confident of securing another.
England have been composed and considered in their play, and in critical moments of matches, they have executed their plans ruthlessly. Those traits will see them through to the Grand Slam in Paris.
Prediction: France 12-21 England
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