Six Nations 2017: Eddie Jones says England v France will be 'war' at Twickenham - BBC Sport
England head coach Eddie Jones says France should expect another "war" when they visit Twickenham in Saturday's Six Nations opener.
Last updated on .From the section English Rugby

England head coach Eddie Jones has warned France to expect another "war" when they visit Twickenham in their Six Nations opener on Saturday.

It is the 103rd meeting between the sides, with England sealing the Grand Slam with a win in Paris last March.

Elliot Daly starts on the wing for the hosts, while Maro Itoje will start a Test for the first time on the flank.

"It's always a historic game, certainly there is history between France and England," explained Jones.

The Australian said defence coach Paul Gustard is "into his history" and has made Jones aware of the conflicts between England and France dating back to 1213.

"There's been 20 wars between England and France," he added. "That's a lot of rivalry there. There is another one happening on Saturday."

However, Jones does not believe the rivalry will affect his players' professionalism.

"I coach them to be emotionally right for the game," he said. "If we need that 'let's get stuck into the French' type situation' I'll leave it to the assistant coaches to do it.

"I don't think we need that. If we need that then there's something wrong. I don't believe teams are motivated by that."

The former Australia and Japan boss has enjoyed 13 straight victories since taking charge of England, but is wary of complacency against a French side looking to improve on a fifth-placed finish in last year's tournament.

"It's always going to be there," he said. "It's not something you can get rid of, like a fungus.

"We are going to face a side that's desperate for success. They are under pressure to play with French flair.

"It's really important that we're in the game right from the start and that's in the head. We have to front up, do the business."