France have not lost an RBS 6 Nations game at the Stade de France since 2008, but on that occasion it was England who got the better of them.

And despite England’s inexperience in the back row, Harinordoquy insists he will pay little attention to the name of the players lining up in white.

“The English are the English. They base their game on the defence and their kicking game,” said Harinordoquy.

“It’s what they have been doing since the start of the tournament, it’s what they will do against us. We’ve mixed things up by trying to play in our own half and opening ourselves up to counter attacks.

“They will want to put us under pressure and that’s what I’m expecting.

“I’ve never worried about the name of the opponent in the past, even if now and again you want to put a little more into a tackle against some players.

“We will be up for the challenge against England. Whatever the name of the guy you are playing, you have to push him backwards. They play a very direct game, where the forwards don’t pass the ball much. “