England will tackle France away: Marley Packer insists England are determined to turn the French crowd against their own team by defeating their bitter rivals in Saturday’s Grand Slam decider in Bordeaux.
The Guinness lady has led the Red Roses through the Six Nations, scoring nearly 10 times, including 14 against Ireland at Twickenham last weekend.
New head coach John Mitchell has turned off the handbrake by bending a set-piece-based side brave enough to attack – a bold approach that will hold up against even the tournament’s toughest opponents.
Packer, a Test centurion, knows from the previous tour of France that if Les Bleus continue to struggle, a fickle home crowd can quickly lose patience if extra motivation is created to turn on the style.
“We want to keep the tension going and we want to rise to the occasion again,” the England captain said. “Let us build our fort there.
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The Marlie Packer boast about how England will tackle France away
Twickenham was an amazing day for us but it’s in the past and we have to live in the present.”
England are on the brink of a sixth successive Six Nations title, but go to the 34,462-seat Stade Chaban-Delmas knowing their last defeat at the tournament to France in 2018 and England will tackle France away
“France is always a big game. France is good in France. ‘Le Crunch’ is one where I’ve always felt really privileged if I’ve been a part of it,” said winger Abby Dow.
“I enjoy the ‘fun’ nature of the French. It’s always a tough fight. The crowd there is absolutely incredible.
“They will fire against you but if you are able to break the crowd, they will fire against their team. It’s brilliant.”