England skipper wary of the unknown French

LONDON - England captain Martin Johnson says his team's lack of familiarity with the injury-hit France side could work against them in Sunday's Six Nations match at Twickenham.

"There are a few names missing from the team, but they will have been preparing meticulously for this game," the lock said.

"They have seen more of us than we have of them because a lot of their guys have not played in the championship."

Coach Bernard Laporte has made six changes to the side beaten by Wales in Paris last month, but Johnson was keen to point out that a team underestimates the French at their peril.

"France have got the talent to beat New Zealand one week and then play poorly the next game.

"If you get beaten when you're playing well it's a different thing from getting beaten when you play poorly.

France had high hopes for this Six Nations campaign after a victory over the All Blacks last autumn, but losses to Ireland and Wales have left them desperate to restore their pride.

"They are always capable of producing a world-class performance, like in the World Cup," Johnson said, referring to the semifinal in the 1999 tournament where they shocked the rugby world by beating the All Blacks.

"We know there is talent in their backs because we've played club stuff against them," he added.

England have made three changes to their front five - with Phil Greening, Julian White, and Steve Borthwick coming in for their first games of the tournament - and Johnson is confident the new-look pack can handle the French in the scrummage.

"People who play behind White say he's one of the best scrummaging props around," he said.

"Greening is back from injury and everyone knows what he can do. He's got pace and ability with the ball in hand.

"Borthwick has played very well in the (English) premiership all season and has been with the side since the tour of South Africa last summer.

"Ten years ago it was a much bigger step up to play international rugby than it is now. And I'm sure Borthwick can handle the pressure.

"The French always throw the kitchen sink at you but that's what it's all about," he added.

- REUTERS

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