Maro Itoje wants England to finish disappointing campaign on high against France

Maro Itoje insists England must seize the opportunity to show their true colours when a disappointing Guinness Six Nations draws to a close against France on Saturday.

Eddie Jones’ team were removed from the title race when they fell to a spirited defeat by Ireland in round four and they arrive in Paris with the aim of avoiding finishing in the bottom half of the table.

France are expected to complete the Grand Slam having already proved themselves to be the competition’s outstanding team, but Itoje warns that England are playing for pride.

“It’s about the type of team and individuals we want to be,” the Lions second row said.

“Ultimately, we are playing for the win and for each other. Playing against France is always competitive, but we’re playing for England here.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity for everyone in the team. Playing for England is an absolute honour and you can’t take these types of moments for granted. You never know when they’re going to come again.

“The future is not guaranteed, but what we can guarantee is living in the present. For us, we want to go out there and play our game.

Hooker Jamie George has spoken of the need to silence the Stade de France crowd as quickly as possible, an objective born out of the knowledge that the home fans can be a fickle audience.

If Les Bleus are firing they will be roared on, further lifting the team and generating hostility, but should they struggle then the supporters can be quick to turn against them in a manner not seen at other grounds.

“I think that’s probably a fair representation. They’re loud. They’re noisy. They love to support their team, especially when they’re doing well,” Itoje said.

“They perhaps go a little bit quiet when things aren’t going their