Grayson missed the victory over Wales through injury, allowing Bath youngster Olly Barkley to win his first Test start.

And although Barkley gave an accomplished performance which won widespread praise, Woodward opted for veteran fly-half Grayson for the trip to Paris.

It was a close call but weve gone back to the starting line-up we had pre-Wales. Barkley did very well against Wales and he should be very pleased with the way he stepped in at the last moment, he said.

But I wanted the more experienced player for France. Barkley impressed against Wales, but at times he showed a little bit of inexperience. If we are to beat France we need an experienced team out there.

Leicester prop Julian White was thought to be in with a chance of making the starting line-up against France after destroying the Welsh scrum when appearing as a second-half substitute.

But Woodward, who has kept faith with Gloucesters Phil Vickery, said: Im delighted White is back with us but well start with the same front row.

This game will be won by 22 players - it will be a real squad effort. We know what we have to do tactically so players like Julian and Mike Catt will be used at some point.

Woodward has labelled France as red hot favourites for the match, but insists his world champions are determined to prevent Les Bleus landing the Grand Slam.

France are in fantastic form, just like they were in the World Cup. Theyre an awesome team and Ive picked our best possible side to beat them. This game is not about development or change, its about winning, he said.

The last time we went to Paris it was with stars like Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson, and still got hammered. Its a tough place to go but everyone is looking forward to it.

"France are red-hot favourites.