France fly-half Romain Ntamack claims Six Nations Grand Slam showdown with England is ‘ideal’

Romain Ntamack said France’s Grand Slam showdown with England on Saturday was the ‘ideal scenario’ but warned Eddie Jones’ side will be out to ruin their Six Nations party in Paris. 

France moved to within 80 minutes of their first Championship clean sweep and title since 2010 with a backs-to-the-wall 13-9 victory over Wales in Cardiff. 

Fabien Galthie’s side now have only England as their final hurdle to overcome. 

Victory over Wales means France are on the cusp of their first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2010

‘It’s the ideal scenario and the scenario we wanted before the start of this tournament,’ said France fly-half Ntamack. ‘We had to work hard to defeat the Welsh and we’re in contention for the final. 

‘We are very happy. We have won four matches and there is one left to play, but before talking about a Grand Slam, we will have to prepare well for the English who will want to spoil the party.’

France were nowhere near their best at Principality Stadium and they were pushed all the way by a gritty Wales display, yet still they came away with a fourth straight Six Nations success. 

Ntamack said England will want to ‘spoil the party’ after their gutsy defeat to Ireland

‘Now we can start mentioning it (a Grand Slam) because we are just one game away,’ said France captain and scrum-half Antoine Dupont. 

‘It’s very flattering to be praised by other teams. We will see who the best in the world is later. For several games we have been playing better in defence and we will try to do it again. 

‘We have to be better in attack and in our kicking game. We had difficulties in both those areas in the first half against Wales. We have areas we can improve and we will have to improve.’ 

Anthony Jelonch scored the only try at Principality Stadium to hand France – whose Shaun Edwards-inspired defence was outstanding – victory in Cardiff. 

France captain Antoine Dupont said his side ‘have to improve’ to ensure they beat England

Their win was all the more impressive given Covid-19 and illness had hit the French camp in the build-up to the game. 

England’s defeat by Ireland at Twickenham means they cannot win the title. But they can deny France a moment of glory and give Irish supporters hope of Championship success. 

‘There is one match left to write our history,’ said France lock Paul Willemse. ‘This is the first time we have said we want to win titles because now we have the opportunity. 

Winning a Grand Slam would cement France’s place as big favourites for the 2023 World Cup

‘You can be sure we will go all out.’ 

France have looked like rugby’s coming force since they put 40 points on New Zealand last autumn and a Grand Slam would cement their status as among the favourites for their home World Cup in 2023. England will have to produce their best performance of the Six Nations to beat them. 

Wales, meanwhile, will face Italy on the final weekend with Alun Wyn Jones back in Wayne Pivac’s squad after his latest Lazarus-style recovery from a shoulder injury.

Wales got a boost ahead of their final match with Italy as Alun Wyn Jones rejoined the squad

Jones required surgery after colliding with New Zealand’s Jordie Barrett last autumn. Italy is set to be his first match since October 30. 

‘It’s amazing. Someone like him (Jones) with the experience and energy he brings into the group is only a plus,’ said Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau, who was outstanding against France. 

‘I am sure the rest of the group will feed off him.’