England to raise intensity

BRIAN ASHTON claims it would be “wrong to interpret” that Nick Easter has moved ahead of Lawrence Dallaglio in the battle for England’s World Cup number eight shirt.

Easter though, could edge towards pole position on Saturday when the world champions play their final tournament warm-up game against France in Marseille.

A fortnight after his record four-try display helped dismantle Wales, Easter faces an infinitely tougher task as England visit one of French rugby’s most intimidating venues and head coach Ashton wanted to field his strongest starting XV.