London: Geoff Parling hopes to produce a mountainous performance to ensure he and his England teammates do not endure more Six Nations disappointment, pain and misery at Twickenham on Saturday.
The 6ft 6in veteran Leicester Tigers and Lions lock is relishing the chance to try and strong-arm the hosts to victory against France and, hopefully, to their first title since Stuart Lancaster took the reins.
Parling, 31, has been called into the second row alongside Courtney Lawes to add extra experience and know-how to the England pack, with Dave Attwood missing out on the squad altogether.
Parling, who has been beset by injuries in recent times including a recent knee problem, is fully fit and raring to go having come on as a replacement against Scotland.
England will know what they have to do against a French side that once again has blown more cold than hot in this year’s tournament, but still has an outside chance itself to lift the trophy.
With rivals Wales and Ireland playing in Rome and Edinburgh respectively earlier in the day, England’s players can watch those games before walking out to face the French at 1700GMT (2100UAE) knowing what scoreline will be enough.
And Parling insists: “It’s about being calm and composed throughout the game. We will know full well the situation with the other games and then go out to get our part of the job done.
“You cannot worry about anything other than beating France and trying to do it in the best possible way. They are a very good and very dangerous side. Their pack is strong and useful, and we will treat them with the utmost respect. It is going to be a massive occasion and a fantastic game for all the guys to play in.
“I am really looking forward to it because these are the games you live for and train for as a professional. You want to play in the pressure of a big Six Nations contest with lots riding on it.
“If we win it would be the best way to start a World Cup year and would give all the guys a massive lift in terms of belief and confidence.”
All eyes will be on London once Wales and Ireland have laid down their challenges to finish on top.
“To win at Twickenham would mean a huge amount and I know how much the guys want it badly,” said head coach Stuart Lancaster.
“They’ve been hurt to come second for three years in a row and want to avoid that again.
“France are a high quality team with a very big, physical pack. Last year when they gave Ireland a real battle despite not being able to win the title. It could be still the case they have something to play for, so we will not start dreaming yet.”
France have made two changes with fly-half Jules Plisson replacing the injured Camille Lopez while Vincent Debaty starts at loose-head at the expense of Eddy Ben Arous.
Head coach Philippe St Andre wants his players to prove their World Cup credentials and said: “International rugby is about combat, humility. I only want players who are ready to go to the end of the world. If anyone thinks that international rugby is too difficult, then they have my telephone number.
“They can call me and I’ll take someone else. I have covered and supported them for three years. At some stage you need to know how to win games at the highest level. The French jersey should not only be something you’re proud of but also something that enables you to surpass yourself. You need to be a gladiator!”
