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- The Sale Sharks centre chats about the preparations for Paris
In the latest instalment of Mathew Tait's RFU.com column the England and Sale Sharks centre chats about the squad’s preparations to face Grand Slam chasing France in Paris on Saturday evening.
"There has been a lot of frustration in the camp this week and some disappointment because we didn’t perform as well as we hoped against Scotland at Murrayfield. Scotland must take credit for that though as they attacked and defended pretty well but attack wise we were below par and that is something we have got to address in France.
"We’ve got a massive chance this weekend to try and put that right as there is no better stage to do that on than in Paris. We all know the French boys are going very well and on the verge of a Grand Slam but we want to go out there and turn in a performance that the fans deserve.
"The atmosphere in training has been good this week, we did some different light-hearted drills like wrestling as a warm-up and quick-hands ball work today to freshen us up a bit. We’re upbeat because it’s not time to go into our shells and we’ve had a good week in training. We’re going out to France and a lot of people expect us to lose but I think we can go out there and put in a performance.
Great atmosphere in training
"There are a few lads in the squad who always get us going in training. Lewis Moody gets us laughing because he’s so clumsy and always knocking people over – all he’s good for really – and there are a few loud ones in the group. People like Lewis, Steve Thompson, who spoke very well in the last few days, Jonny and Borthers are the senior guys who get their points across when it is appropriate to do so.
"James Haskell is the real joker in the pack, he’s always chirping up with something and is good for a laugh.
"In the run up to the game I’ve had lots of reading to do. I’m covering all the wings and full back so I have to read through all the plays for that and learn my roles for those positions.
"I’m going chill out and read my own stuff too. I’m reading The Alchemist at the moment, it’s only a short book, 120 pages or so and I’ve got 20-odd pages left. I’m not sure if any of the other players read much – Floody claims to read a lot but I don’t see him doing it that much. The guys read the papers but that’s the only time I see them reading anything!"