England tipped to 'finish on a high' against France by ex-wing

Former England wing Jonny May has tipped Steve Borthwick's side to back up their win against Ireland with another victory against France in the final round of the Guinness Six Nations.

England produced their best performance in years against a Grand Slam-chasing Ireland side in round four at Twickenham, triumphing 23-22 to put themselves back in the frame to win the title in the final weekend.

While May, who retired from England duty after the World Cup, sees nothing other than an Ireland win against Scotland in Dublin, therefore securing the Championship, he has backed his compatriots to "finish on a high" against France in Lyon in his recent column for Six Nations Rugby.

Les Bleus have looked out of sorts so far this Six Nations, but looked closer to their usual powerful selves against Wales in Cardiff, winning 45-24.

"I would love to see England go to Lyon and finish on a high this weekend. I believe they will," May wrote.

"Elsewhere you’ve got an under-the-pump Scotland coming up against an Ireland team looking not just for a response, but the Championship title. I can’t see anything other than a green victory there.

"Then there’s Wales v Italy. That’s a difficult one to predict, but I think Wales are going to win in what should be another close game."

England's second-highest try scorer also explained how playing in France always excited him as a winger, as he felt the game was always more open.

"Playing away against France always captured my imagination," he added.

"When you play them there the game tends to be faster and freer. The game in France has a unique charisma and culture, so a trip there always excited me.

"Especially for a wing, you’ve got the nuts and bolts of your role to fulfil, but you always got the feeling the game would be more open. It’s that famous joué spirit."