Martin Corry has urged England to sharpen their clinical edge as they prepare for a make-or-break Six Nations Championship clash against France in Paris.
England travel to the French capital for Sunday’s encounter well aware they have not won at the Stade de France since 2000.
If they can end that losing sequence, though, the Six Nations title would prove an attainable prize on the tournament’s final weekend.
But before then, England have somehow got to work a Calcutta Cup calamity out of their system and set about toppling the pre-tournament favourites in their own back yard.
England wasted several promising attacking opportunities against Scotland – which proved a major factor in their 18-12 defeat at Murrayfield – and British & Irish Lion Corry accepts they cannot be as wasteful in Paris.
"’It is going to be a very tough game," said the captain.
"We didn’t take opportunities to score against Scotland, and those opportunities are probably going to be even less against France – so we have got to make sure we are a lot more clinical and we execute our moves a lot better.
"When we do get half a chance we must take it.
"We cannot change what happened at Murrayfield. We know what it is going to take to win on Sunday, but I feel totally prepared – I just cannot wait for this game."
If England lose against the French, they will host Ireland on Saturday week needing victory to avoid another Six Nations campaign of under-achievement.
But France will go into the game as favourites, and Corry accepts they will pose threats in all areas.
"They are willing to open up from inside their own 22 – and from any turnover ball they are electric," he said.
"There are challenges all over, and if you take your eye off one of them and focus on another they can take you apart in so many different areas. We cannot relax."
