Wales captain Sam Warburton has rubbished suggestions his players ‘hate’ England.
England winger Jack Nowell and scrum-half Danny Care both suggested the Welsh team dislike their side with a passion.
But Warburton insists he sees himself as British and said his squad have no strong feelings towards Sunday’s opponents.
“Both my parents were born in England so I can’t think that way at all,” said the flanker. “I think people make a bigger thing out of it. All the lads went on the Lions tour and got on well with the English boys. If someone asked me my nationality I’d say British. I don’t look on it like that and I don’t think the boys talk about England games like that.
“The players love it because the atmosphere’s so good. You sense the anticipation from the fans. They are massive games but hate is a very strong word.”
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made seven changes to his team for Saturday’s clash against Scotland at Murrayfield after the 27-6 loss to Wales.
There is a new back-row unit with Sebastien Vahaamahina at blindside flanker, Alexandre Lapandry at openside and Damien Chouly at No8. Hooker Brice Mach comes in along with centre Maxime Mermoz, wing Maxime Medard and scrum-half Maxime Machenaud.
Team: B Dulin, Y Huget, M Bastareaud, M Mermo, M Medard, J Plisson, M Machenaud; T Domingo, B Mach, N Mas, Y Maestri, P Pape (capt), S Vahaamahina, A Lapandry, D Chouly. Reps: G Guirado, V Debaty, R Slimani, A Flanquart, A Claassen, J-M Doussain, R Tales, G Fickou.
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