Bernard Laportes side needed a last-gasp try by centre Damien Traille to beat a rejuvenated Scotland 16-9 last weekend.

Frances performance was the latest in a series of disappointing displays in the autumn internationals, when they were defeated by New Zealand and, more surprisingly, Argentina.

Pelous is more than aware England are not the same side that lifted the 2003 World Cup in Sydney - but he still feels a win against Frances greatest rivals is something to cherish.

And the lock is eager to erase the memories of Saturdays frustrating clash against the Scots.

We did not enjoy ourselves against Scotland, said Pelous.

We were not good enough offensively but we performed okay in defence.

We maybe wanted to do too much against Scotland and we lost our composure. This was an opener but we must correct our mistakes against England.

We must work and not feel pressurised. We want to show a different face as from the November Test matches. England have marked the history of rugby - they are our greatest rivals.

Pelous admitted Englands 11-9 loss to Wales at the Millennium Stadium had not come as a shock to him as he feels Mike Ruddocks men are one of the dark horses to emerge triumphant in the RBS 6 Nations.

I know they lost to Wales last weekend but I was not surprised, added the Toulouse skipper.

The Welsh have continuously improved since the 2003 World Cup.