England v France - Key Battles
February 14, 2003

Fans can look forward to some exciting match-ups in England's RBS Six Nations clash with France at Twickenham tomorrow.

  • JONNY WILKINSON v SERGE BETSEN

    Biarritz flanker Betsen performed a one-man demolition job on Wilkinson in Paris last season, tackling him out of the game as France secured an outstanding 20-15 success.

    Betsen brilliantly stopped fly-half and tactical controller Wilkinson at source, knocking him off his feet time and time again, which meant that England could rarely dictate matters behind the scrum.

    French coach Bernard Laporte claims there is no special plan in place exclusively for Wilkinson, but do not bet against it.

    France know that if Wilkinson performs, then England usually win.

  • ANDY GOMARSALL v FABIEN GALTHIE

    French captain and scrum-half Galthie was the attacking inspiration behind last season's victory, repeatedly making a mockery of England's close-quarter defence.

    Galthie's ability to make snappy half-breaks around the fringes can cause chaos, especially with support runners attacking the ball from all angles and England know that they must halt him early.

    It is a big ask for Gloucester scrum-half Gomarsall, who was drafted into the England team on Thursday night after Matt Dawson withdrew through injury, but he does not lack confidence and will relish the challenge.

  • JASON LEONARD v CHRISTIAN CALIFANO

    Two of world rugby's great warriors will get to grips in the front-row battle, with both players intent on savouring every moment.

    Leonard will lead England out on the occasion of his 100th cap, a feat that only two other players - Philippe Sella and David Campese - have accomplished, while Saracens prop Califano has been restored to the French side for his first start since 2001.

    They will enjoy a rare old tussle as both sides seek scrummaging supremacy, but when the dust has settled, both rugby traditionalists can look forward to a pint and a good chat. Leonard, especially, would have it no other way.

  • RICHARD HILL v IMANOL HARINORDOQUY

    England number eight Hill commanded rave reviews following his performances in the autumn Tests, when New Zealand, Australia and South Africa were all sent packing from Twickenham.

    Arguably the world's finest back-row forward on current form, Hill's efficiency in defence, ball-winning areas and making the hard yards in attack, all combine as crucial elements of an England victory bid.

    Harinordoquy is the rising star who enjoyed a brilliant season during the French Grand Slam campaign last year and had a memorable game against England in Paris. Will he do it again, or will second-season syndrome set in?

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