Here is my analysis on the England France game. England are probably favourites, but consider the following:
1) France are 6N champions and haven't lost a game of consequence in about 18 months
2) France are the last side to beat England in Twickenham in the 6N
3) England are missing TWO of their world-class players in Dawson and Vickery, and bar Wilkonson, arguably their two most important players
4) England have a new centre with NO experience in the position, repeat NO experience - he is an outhalf
5) Dawsons replacement Gomersall, doesn't do well behind a pack that is not getting its own way
6) France while they have lost Pieter De Villiers have replaced him with no less than Christian Califano, only 30 years old - young for front row, and one of the best players in the world
7) England have a strong scrummaging prop in Julian White, who often runs foul of referees - most notably against Ireland 2 years ago - against the same ref. Said player has also not played for 3 weeks because of a knee ligament injury and must be doubtful for the game
Frances lineout is outstanding, while England are going in with only 2 recognised jumpers and a back row which consists of three fine players, but lacks balance, especially if they lack the ball
9) Merceron is an excellent kicking outhalf and Englands back three, while excellent going forward is piss-poor in defence. Ben Cohen wouldn't even tackle a ham sandwich!
Overall, home advantage is huge, but France shade it for me in every department otherwise - with the possible exception of goal-kicking. It may well be close, and if anything I'd go for France -
