England boss Jones wary of 'first-class' France

England coach Eddie Jones is under no illusions about the task facing his side as they attempt to deprive France of a Six Nations Grand Slam in Paris.

France have been the form side in this season's Championship and they kept their bid for a first clean sweep in 12 years with a gruelling 13-9 win away over Wales in Cardiff on Friday.

Les Bleus will be heavily favoured to beat England at the Stade de France in the last game of the tournament on March 19.

Jones, speaking after a 32-15 defeat by Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday that scuppered England's title hopes, identified three key French strengths.

"They've obviously got a powerful ruck attack, they are able to carry the ball forward in ones and twos and shorten the defence line up," he said.

"And then they've got good movement on the back of that. They are very good defensively at the breakdown and they have got an incredible long-kicking game."

The veteran Australian boss added: "They've gone back to playing that counter-attacking French style and their discipline in playing that is first-class.

"They have just got a little bit more disciplined now... They don't allow themselves to be seduced by the game, they keep playing the same way, and because of that they are very consistent now.

France have been a rejuvenated side since former scrumhalf Fabien Galthie took charge following their disappointing quarter-final exit at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

"I've known Fabien from way back," said former Australia and Japan coach Jones.

"When he was a coach coming through, he used to come and watch our training sessions with the Wallabies and Japan. He's a coach that wants to keep improving.

"I'm really glad he's doing so well, but I just hope he doesn't do too well next week!"

England