French advancing on HQ

The French will take Twickenham by storm next month for the first time since they subjected the All Blacks to the most riotous half-hour in World Cup history.

The stadium known almost since its creation by the grandiose title of ‘Headquarters’ will be commandeered on Saturday week by the two most powerful tribes from the other side of the English Channel. Toulon and Clermont will stage a strictly French affair because between them they have seen off the best the Irish and English have to offer.

If it is anything like the last time France captured Twickenham, during the 1999 World Cup against New Zealand, it will be some occasion. The All Blacks, cruising towards the semi-finals at 24-10, conceded 33 points during 30 minutes of pure French magic.