Grand Slam-bition

England keen to build on 2002 success in Six Nations

LONDON (AP) -- England is the top-ranked team in world rugby. Now it's time to prove it.

Regaining the Six Nations title it lost to France in 2002 is the first challenge; completing the coveted Grand Slam for the first time in eight years is another.

Then there's November's World Cup in Australia, home of the defending champions.

The English have the odds and home-ground advantage in their favor for the Six Nations.

England's opening game Feb. 15 against France -- the only team to beat the English in last year's competition -- has already been dubbed "Le Crunch."

The competition's two top sides meet at Twickenham, where England has won 18 straight and hasn't lost a Five or Six Nations match since 1997.

"The game against France is a massive one," England coach Clive Woodward said. "They are the Grand Slam champions and the only team to beat us last year."

Bookmaker William Hill has England at 2-5 to win the title and 8-13 to win the slam.

Flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson is eager for a clean sweep.

"I have always wanted to win a Grand Slam," Wilkinson said. "It's no good me pretending that it doesn't matter because I'm desperate to say I've got one. Iv'e had five attempts at it, but each time it has proved elusive.

"In its way, that encapsulates the essential beauty of the Six Nations. No team can afford to be complacent."

England has a strong squad, with the accuracy of Wilkinson, wing Ben Cohen and Richard Hill, joining stalwarts Jason Robinson and Martin Johnson. There's also youngsters James Simpson-Daniel and Phil Christophers pushing for more regular starts.

"So many established leaders gives us a huge amount of confidence," Wilkinson said. "I often look around the chamging room two minutes before we're due to run out and see all those guys who can handle the pressure of whatever is thrown at them."

Front row forwards Phil Vickery and Julian White could be in doubt for the France game. Vickery has missed several club games with a sore back, while White is struggling to overcome a knee injury.

It's a second chance for White after indiscipline had cost him earlier in the season. He was banned for 10 weeks by the Rugby Football Union for headbutting an opponent and missed the November tests.

But while England has prop injury worries, France has lost Pieter de Villiers, who is out of the test, and possibly the tournament after testing positive for cocaine and esctasy.

"I still think our front row will be competitive and, after all, France have lost a world-class scrummager in Pieter de Villiers," Woodward said.

One prop who could be called on is Jason Leonard, who could become only the third player to reach 100 caps.

Wing Dan Luger has recovered from knee reconstruction surgery to make the squad, while flyhalf Charlie Hodgdson and Joe Worsley also return from injury.

But England is without promising fullback Iain Balshaw, who needs surgery on his right shoulder.

 

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