Steve Borthwick has given England the challenge of leading their fans to a final-round assault on Paris as they chase Six Nations glory for the first time in seven years.
After 11 straight wins, England come into the tournament in excellent form and buoyant mood as they begin their campaign at home to Wales on 7 February.
However, Borthwick – part of the squad when England fans flocked to Paris to see their side in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa – is daring to dream before the 14 March meeting with defending champions and title favourites France.
“People can see the potential that’s in this group,” he told Rugby Union Weekly.
“They can see the direction this team is going on, the way it is tracking.
“Two weeks ago we met as a team and I spoke to them about how the last seven Six Nations Championships have been decided on the last round of fixtures.
“I think it’s 17 of the last 20.
“On 14 March we’re playing against a brilliant France team in Paris.
“We want to be in a position in that game to get what we all want to achieve. We want English fans flooding across the channel to get there and watch that game.
“The only way you get to that point is taking care of every step along the journey.”
Borthwick predicts a barrage of a box-kicks will be the first obstacle in his side’s way with Wales – in new coach Steve Tandy’s first Six Nations campaign in charge – taking to the Twickenham skies.
“He’s brought a defensive system from Scotland where they’ve two men tackling high, trying to hold people up in the air,” added Borthwick said of his opposite number.
“You can see they know they’ve got the pace on the edges, so they’re going to come in and try to move the ball to the edges.
“The biggest thing, the thing that’s core to their game is that contestable kick game. I reckon they’re probably going to kick maybe 50 contestable kicks here at Allianz Stadium in a couple of weeks’ time.
“We’re going to be prepared for that.”
