Dawson: Big effort needed

Matt Dawson is under no illusions as to the task facing England in Paris on Sunday.

England scrum-half Matt Dawson has said it will take "a monumental effort" for the world champions to beat France in their Six Nations crunch match this Sunday.

After their 18-12 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield a fortnight ago, England cannot afford another defeat in this season's tournament.

But history suggests that France - having blown hot and cold so far - tend to get it right when England visit Paris, the latter not having won at the Stade de France since 2000.

"Every year, France seem to have a handful of players who can rip open an opposition side," Dawson said.

"We are going to need consistency in defence, and we have got to score points.

"To take the French on in their own back yard, we have got to somehow unsettle them, and maybe the scoreboard is a way of doing that.

"It will take a monumental effort to win out there."

Meanwhile England head coach Andy Robinson has been explaining his decision to recall 33-year-old Dawson for his first Six Nations start in 13 months at the expense of Harry Ellis - a player some 10 years Dawson's junior.

"Harry Ellis has performed really well for the team, but I was targeting Matt to be involved in a starting position for the French game," Robinson said.

"Matt's greater experience, his ability to control the forwards - which I think is slightly better than Harry's at present because of his experience - meant I felt it was the right choice.

"I don't get concerned about age. Matt has been performing well, and I have got every confidence in him."