Ibanez wary of wounded English

France hooker Raphael Ibanez has warned his side about England's "winning mentality" ahead of Sunday's crunch Six Nations clash at the Stade de France.

France and England, the pre-tournament favourites, have both suffered surprise losses in Scotland but are still involved in the most open title race since the Six Nations began.

Both are level on four points with Scotland and Ireland, with England and France the top two on points difference, meaning Sunday's winner would take a big step towards the title.

And Ibanez is expecting a fierce reaction from England after their 18-12 loss in Murrayfield two weeks ago.

"It's true they looked particularly down in the three or four days that followed that setback," said Wasps star Ibanez.

"They experienced the same thing as us after we lost to the Scots at the start of February. England have a lot of faults but they have one quality - their winning mentality.

"Their defeat in Scotland has made the English furious, they are beating themselves up about it and that makes them even more dangerous."

Ibanez also believes winning the game will be a great confidence-booster for either side a year before England defend the World Cup on French soil.

"Losing to England would be seen as a failure," he explained, "But this match is also a way of rediscovering confidence for both teams ahead of the next six or seven months. There is a lot at stake.

"We will prepare the best we can because we know the challenge that is awaiting us is enormous. Winning this match means we could win the title, which is very exciting.

"When we lost to Scotland I was disappointed because I would have liked to keep our Grand Slam hopes alive, but the English stumbled as well."

On the injury front, Les Bleus have no fresh problems.

Centre Florian Fritz has recovered from his knee injury and is relishing the clash. "I did not feel any pain in my knee and I could give my best in training," he declared.

Full-back Thomas Castaignede missed training on Tuesday and Thursday with flu, but be fully recovered by Sunday.

PA