England wary of France threat
England want to replicate last week's performance
Also In The News
|
Directed by Brad Bird, out now in cinemas, starring Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, and Lou Romano running time 110 minutes . |  |
Saturday, 13, Oct 2007 11:01
England coach Brian Ashton has told his players they must be vigilant at all times in their World Cup semi-final against France.
Ashton is wary of Les Bleus' ability to carve out try-scoring opportunities from anywhere on the pitch.
He also warned that the game would be very different to the quarter-final win against Australia.
England's chances of defending the trophy were dismissed when they suffered a 36-0 defeat to South Africa in the group stage.
But after Ashton's men staged an upset beating Australia 12-10 last week the England coach feels that the win over the Wallabies means France will no longer take their challenge lightly.
"I can't imagine we'll catch France off guard as we seemed to catch Australia," said Ashton.
"France are always a dangerous team but in a World Cup semi-final in Paris they will be especially so.
"You have to be eternally vigilant; you cannot take your eyes off them for 80 minutes," he added.
Captain Phil Vickery also believes the match in Paris will be a played in a different way to the quarter-final and says the England pack must adjust accordingly.
"The challenge for us as a pack is going to be considerably harder than last week, a totally different proposition," said Vickery.
"France in France is a big enough test at any time, let alone in a World Cup semi-final when they are the host nation."
England's pack were able to secure a high percentage of turnover ball against Australia and will hope to repeat the feat against France.