England star Ben Youngs: We want to hit the ground running in Six Nations against France

Eddie Jones has primed his Grand Slam champions to hit the French with "daring" rugby from the kick-off to put down an indelible marker for the tournament.

England will set a national record of 15 successive victories if they win and take the first step towards becoming the first team to win back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams.

"Traditionally, the Six Nations teams feel themselves into it a little bit and we don't want to do that. We really want to hit the ground running," said scrum-half Ben Youngs.

"We really want to set a precedent in terms of how we're playing and show improvement from the autumn to now. A lot will be made in the coming weeks about this and that but for us none of it counts unless we get our job right on Saturday so the biggest thing we're focused on is getting off to a really good start."

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Ben Youngs is hoping England can hit the ground running against France in the Six Nations

A key figure will be Maro Itoje, who made such an impression in his first Six Nations last year but who is being asked to play out of position in the back row in the absence of the injured Chris Robshaw.

"If you have watched Maro at any level he brings ridiculous enthusiasm to the team and we cannot wait to see him there," said England scrum coach Neal Hatley yesterday.

"He has heaps of potential and if you have a player with the mindset to get better every day then the world's his oyster."

France, who have not won at Twickenham for a decade, arrive holding grudging respect for England's winning streak.

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Maro Itoje will play out of position for England against France at Twickenham

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"England have been impressive. They are extremely efficient. They may not be the most elegant, or the greatest to watch, but they are the most clinical with New Zealand – and they win games," said centre Gael Fickou.

"We know their strengths but also their weaknesses. We need to use those weaknesses to try to get something in Twickenham. I'm not saying we'll win, but we will give it our best shot."

England's have the advantage of three games at Twickenham this season where they are unbeaten for 16 months.

"It certainly adds confidence and belief within the side. Hopefully we're beginning to build that as a reputation as a side when teams come and they think it's a really tough place to crack," said Youngs.

"That's something we want to continue to try and build and make it as intimidating as possible. It's down to us to perform and keep continuing the run we're on."

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