Attack coach Patrick Arlettaz remains suspicious of France's form. French XV raised the bar last Sunday by outclassing Wales in Cardiff.

Now looms a still fiery Crunch against England who also set the record straight by claiming the scalp of Ireland, who were arch-favorites for the Grand Slam. “The balance is a little fragile. We still have scars... We need to focus on ourselves,” says the former Perpignan manager, who has been under fire from criticism since taking office.