England lock Geoff Parling says that his side are happy to be billed as favourites against France at Twickenham next weekend.
The 2011 champions are the only unbeaten team remaining in the competition after wins over Scotland and Ireland, with Parling admitting that he prefers dealing with the pressure to win.
"Expectation is good and I would much rather be under pressure to win than the underdog," said Parling to the Evening Standard.
"We handled the expectation against Scotland and we are going to keep playing with the same intensity. We are happy to be favourites.
"You never really know which French side are going to turn up but we will be on our own turf and the challenge is to be consistent.
"It was a big battle up front [against Ireland] that wasn't pretty but we showed a lot of confidence to come through with the win.
"There were a hell of a lot of mistakes which means there is plenty to work on. People say we are a fairly inexperienced side but we have shown a huge amount of self- belief."
Comments
JamieTheProp says...
If we win against France I think it is legitimate to have one eye on the Championship (if not the Slam) - can't believe the advances in a few short years! Here's hoping they continue!
Posted 12:42 14th February 2013
pentwynfarm says...
@LondonWasp while I agree that you should never take France lightly, I really didn't see any evidence at all of them 'dying' to do anything in the last minutes of either the Italy or Wales matches. They really looked like they couldn't give a toss and I just can't see them caring much more about beating England.
If they gain parity early on it could be a real cracker. If they go behind early and their heads drop I fear it could be a whitewash.
Posted 10:51 14th February 2013
melkdave says...
Its not as if he and England have much option is it.With France already having lost both games.As long as England continue to be grounded,and realise France despite their recent results are a very very good and dangerous team .I would be continually showing the videos from the aurtum ,to make sure every player knows France are not tobe taken lightly,and it will be a battle royal at Twickenham .France can beat everybody and anybody ,all they lack is consistancy.Similar to Ireland in alot of ways.
Posted 15:17 13th February 2013
LondonWasp says...
we should expect a MASSIVE backlash from france. they are pissed off and dying for a win. we will have to step up our game again if we want to beat france...
Posted 15:14 13th February 2013