Six Nations: Steve Borthwick dares England to dream of Paris glory

Steve Borthwick has given England the challenge of leading their supporters to a final-round assault on Paris as they chase Six Nations glory for the first time in seven years.

After 11 successive wins, England enter the tournament in excellent form and in a good mood as they begin their campaign at home to Wales on 7 February.

However, Borthwick – who was part of the squad when England fans flocked to Paris to watch their side in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa – is daring to dream ahead of the March 14 meeting with defending champions and title candidates France.

“People can see the potential in this group,” he told Rugby Union Weekly.

“They can see the direction this team is going, the way it’s tracking.

“Two weeks ago we met as a team and I spoke to them about how the last seven Six Nations tournaments will be decided in the final round of matches.

“I think it’s 17 of the last 20.

“On March 14, we will play against a great French team in Paris.

“We want to be in a position in that game to achieve what we all want to achieve. We want the English fans flocking across the Channel to get there and watch that game.

“The only way to get to this point is to pay attention to every step along the journey.”

Borthwick expects a barrage of box kicks to be the first hurdle in his side’s way as Wales – in new coach Steve Tandy’s first Six Nations campaign – take flight at Twickenham.

“He brought a defensive system from Scotland, where you have two guys tackling high and trying to lift people into the air,” Borthwick said of his rival counterpart.

“You can see they know they have speed on the edges, so they will come in and try to move the ball to the edges.

“The most important thing, the main thing in their game is that game of contestable kicks. I think they will probably take 50 contestable kicks here at Allianz Stadium in a couple of weeks.

“We’ll be ready for that.”