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England wary of France in Six Nations

England are wary of France's physicality ahead of their Six Nations clash, with No.8 Billy Vunipola warning they can build up a head of steam.

England No.8 Billy Vunipola
England No.8 Billy Vunipola is expecting a physical Six Nations encounter with France. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Billy Vunipola insists England must meet France's giant carriers head on if they are to continue their march towards the Six Nations title.

Paris was the setting for the tournament's greatest comeback last weekend when Les Bleus built a 16-0 halftime lead against Wales before collapsing to a self-inflicted 24-19 defeat.

Sebastien Vahaamahina only discovering that he had taken over the captaincy against Warren Gatland's men when referee Wayne Barnes told him served to underscore the chaos in the French camp.

Vunipola, however, has warned of the threat they pose if allowed to build a head of steam.

"What happened against Wales probably shows how dangerous they can be more than anything," said Vunipola, a star of the 32-20 rout of Ireland in Dublin.

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"What Wales showed us was how not to start a game. If you give them a leg up, then France are extremely, extremely dangerous.

"We've all played against French sides - once they start feeling it emotionally then they're very, very tough to stop, so we can't allow them to get into that position.

"They're massive blokes and if you give them momentum they're tough to stop. As a pack we must confront the challenge of their big carriers.

"They've made a few changes up front, but it's probably added more to them than taking away any of their strengths.

"They're probably a bit more athletic with Yacouba Camara in at six and Demba Bamba has some good footwork at tighthead prop. He's a big, big human being."

England made a remarkable start to the Six Nations by dismantling favourites Ireland in a performance which sounded an ominous warning to their rivals in World Cup year.

Vunipola, who is back in the team after recovering from three successive broken arms, echoes Eddie Jones' belief that sweeping aside Joe Schmidt's champions is just the beginning.

"The challenge is to be better. We've spoken all week about being better," Vunipola said.

"We have leaders and coaches who aren't happy having goals that aren't the same or similar. We want to push forward and see if we can improve."


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