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Six Nations 2014: England V France - 6 Of The Best

England V France - Six Of The Best
Ed Tew
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Getty

It might not be St. Crispin’s day for another nine months but the old enemies will line up once again on Saturday evening as England take on France in Paris on the opening day of the 2014 Six Nations.

The history between these two rugby teams goes back more than 100 years and in that time there have been more than a few memorable encounters, such as the 2003 World Cup semi-final, when Jonny Wilkinson kicked Les Bleus into submission and England into the final.

There will be no Wilkinson on Saturday but there will still be all the passion and tension between two teams determined to get their Six Nations campaigns off to a winning start.

So to get you in the mood here are six greatest matches between the two teams in Five - and Six - Nations history. The game’s afoot:

England v. France: The 5 Best Six Nation Matches
1980 - France 13-17 England(01 of05)
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England had not won a Grand Slam since 1957 and after a convincing win over Ireland they were starting to believe. They started badly, conceding a try to French flanker Jean-Pierre Rives, but then a young man making his debut created a try for his centre partner and England went on to win the match and the Grand Slam. The debutant's name was Clive Woodward. (credit:Getty Images)
1997 - England 20-23 France(02 of05)
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Both countries had won their opening two matches, meaning this encounter would effectively decide the Championship. England stormed to a 20-6 lead thanks to a brilliant try from Lawrence Dallaglio. But with 20 minutes left, fly-half Christophe Lamaison masterminded a comeback and the French won the match and secured their first Grand Slam in 10 years. (credit:Getty Images)
2001 - England 48-19 France(03 of05)
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Throughout the 2001 tournament England had shown the sort of form that would make them World Champions in two years' time, scoring at least 40 points in every game. It was no different against the French and a 21-year-old Jonny Wilkinson went past Rob Andrew's record of 396 points in only his 27th international appearance. (credit:Getty Images)
2004 - France 24-21 England(04 of05)
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Just four months after their World Cup triumph, Clive Woodward's heroes were starting to struggle and the French took full advantage. England have still not won a Grand Slam since 2003. (credit:Getty Images)
2012 – France 22 – 24 England(05 of05)
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Stuart Lancaster secured his place as England coach with this unexpected win in Paris. The away team's performance was full of flair and attacking intent, as a youthful England showed what the future might bring. (credit:Getty Images)
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