“We have to make choices and find the best partnerships. We have 30-35 players who would be able to start this game against England.
“That’s good for us to have such a rich choice of options, it’s healthy competition for the players and allows us to work in the best possible conditions.”
KEY BATTLE – PAULINE BOURDON V KATY DALEY-MCLEAN
With the stakes riding high right from the first whistle this weekend, the clash between these two superstars could prove pivotal in who emerges victorious.
There are not many more experienced than Daley-Mclean, with over 100 international appearances to her name and over 500 points for the Red Roses, there aren’t many better in the world in her position.
Up against her in the fly-half position in Pau will be the precocious talent that is Pauline Bourdon. The 24-year-old AS Bayonne star usually operates at scrum-half but will step into the No.10 role for this one and it will be up to her to make France tick.
KEY STATS
England’s last three Six Nations defeats have all come at the hands of France, with no other side beating the Red Roses since Ireland beat them 11-8 in February 2015.
Jess Breach will start in Pau looking to add to her remarkable Six Nations try-scoring form, with the Harlequins wing scoring nine in last year’s Championship.
France head into this one off the back of their worst run of form for over five years, with the 2018 Grand Slam winners losing three of their last five matches.
THE TEAMS
France: Tremouliere; Boujard, Boudaud, Vernier, Banet; Bourdon, Sansus; Arricastre, Sochat, Deshaye, Forlani, Fall, Ferer, Hermet (c), R Menager.
Replacements: Thomas, Traore, Joyeux, N'Diaye, Annery, Peyronnet, Konde, M Menager.
England: McKenna; Dow, Scarratt (vc), Harrison, Breach; Daley-McLean, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Brown, P Cleall, Aldcroft, Beckett, Fleetwood, Hunter (c).
Replacements: Davies, Cornborough, Bern, Millar-Mills, Harper, Riley, Reed, Scott.