\n<\/p>\n
But that Murrayfield loss also provides motivation for France. The Stade de France is putting on plenty of pomp on Saturday.<\/p>\n
France will play in a special-edition light blue retro shirt. An elaborate show featuring poetry, pyro and Frederic Michalak will precede the match.<\/p>\n
Nominally it is all to mark 120 years of Le Crunch \u2013 their rivalry with England. But it is difficult to think that the possibility it might also coincide with a Grand Slam bid did not cross the mind of organisers.<\/p>\n
If France lose, the title is probably gone and the party pooped. It would be an unbearable anti-climax for the hosts.<\/p>\n
Add to the fact that they butchered a clutch of chances in last year’s loss at Twickenham and there is plenty to put right for France.<\/p>\n
A heavyweight pack \u2013 featuring 22-stone second row Emmanuel Meafou \u2013 have been picked to plough through England up front, with the lacerating pace of Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who has scored in his past nine Six Nations games, lurking out wide.<\/p>\n
For England, the consequences of defeat are difficult to predict. The title is long since gone, and the possibility that their coach could follow hangs in the air.<\/p>\n
A lukewarm vote of confidence in Borthwick was issued by the Rugby Football Union the day after England’s first defeat by Italy.<\/p>\n
Five words in chief executive Bill Sweeney’s final line summed it up.<\/p>\n
“England fans rightly expect a team that learns and grows through adversity,” he said. “And we’re confident this group will do everything they can to deliver that.”<\/p>\n
No-one is doubting Borthwick and his staff’s diligence and industry but, equally, no-one is staking anything on whether it is still effective.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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