From a surprise debut to disappointment even in victory, World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson reflects on the England v France rivalry from matches gone by.
Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Sounds; live text updates & highlights on BBC Sport website & app; watch on ITV1The 54-year-old played for England from 1993-2003 - an era in which the French posed their biggest northern-hemisphere threat.
Johnson was in camp and learning from fellow lock Wade Dooley - a British and Irish Lion Test starter in 1989 - before a late injury to Dooley resulted in a debut against France in the 1993 Five Nations opener. "This is a double Grand Slam winning team and we were suddenly two tries down at Twickenham in the opening game of the tournament, and I am thinking - is it me?" he added.From 1974-1998 the home of French rugby was Parc des Princes.
France went on to claim back-to-back Grand Slams and remain the last side to do so after England ended Ireland's bid last weekend.Winning against Les Bleus did not come easy to Johnson after his debut. The players clearly learned their lesson, as two years later Johnson recorded his biggest win over France.
A decade on from his debut and Johnson was again facing France in the opening game to likely decide the title.
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