We’ll do our talking on the pitch, says fired-up Woodward

A FIRED-UP Sir Clive Woodward has delivered a chilling warning to France ahead of Saturday’s 6 Nations showdown in Paris by declaring: “We want to win this match very badly.”

The England coach was in antagonistic form at yesterday's team announcement, shaken by media criticism of his world champions and bristling at predictions France would complete their Grand Slam bid.

Faltering performances in defeat against Ireland and a less-than-convincing 31-21 victory over Wales both at Twickenham suggests much of the flak heaped on the team has been justified.

But Woodward does not agree, pouring scorn on gloomy verdicts over England's prospects in the Stade de France with a heavy dose of sarcasm.

"It's obvious from reading stories in the press that many people don't think we can beat France. I've listened to the TV and what the experts say in the newspapers, so I know what the general feeling is," he said.

"In the World Cup it was the same people said England had no chance of winning and France were red-hot favourites. France are in fantastic form and an awesome team, just like they were in the World Cup. But I think it's important England fulfil this fixture so we'll be there on Saturday night."

He added: "We'll do our talking on the pitch. Let's see what happens. It's a big night and Paris is a tough place to go, but this is an experienced team and we want to win very badly."

The World Cup semi-finals provided the setting for England's last clash with France and although the highly-fancied French were favourites, it was Woodward's men who emerged emphatic 24-7 winners.

Without second-row kingpin Martin Johnson, kicking master Jonny Wilkinson or the tireless Neil Back on duty against Bernard Laporte's men, there are a few differences from that memorable night in Sydney.

But Woodward believes he has the players to prevent the French claiming a championship clean sweep, despite the loss of such an experienced trio.

"The last time we went to Paris we had the so-called superstars like Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson in the team and we still got hammered, so their absence doesn't really affect our thinking," he said.

"We're looking forward to the game. I want to win this match and that's what we intend to do. It's going to be a tough evening so we're going to have our toughest players out there.

"I've picked a team to beat France this job is not about development or change. It's about winning Test matches. It's clear how we operate we go out to win every game, especially the ones that we have little chance of winning."

Paul Grayson has been restored to the starting line-up after he missed the Wales game through injury and Woodward revealed it was his experience which earned him the nod over Bath youngster Olly Barkley.

In the meantime the French team manager Jo Maso has warned England that Les Bleus are saving their best for Sir Clive Woodward's 'war machine.' France, who are aiming to win their eighth Grand Slam, go into the RBS 6 Nations title showdown full of confidence following four consecutive victories over Ireland Italy, Wales and Scotland.

Maso said: "We are going to have to muscle and brush up our game for this final clash.

"We won twice (against Italy and Scotland) by wide margins, which proves our ball retention is excellent, we have a flawless defence and our scrum is working perfectly. Now we have to brush up our attack.

"We have won four matches, and we are the only side in that position. This is nice but the best is to come."

Laporte has made a few changes to his squad for the decisive match.

Inspirational number eight, and vice-captain, Imanol Harinordoquy is back after shaking off his left elbow injury and replaces Thomas Lievremont in the starting line-up.

"This is logical that Harinordoquy comes back, he is a key element to the team," Laporte explained.