Chris Ashton believes that the slow pace of the Top 14 is having a devastating impact on French Rugby.
The 31-year-old Ashton is expected to be part of the English side which is due to play against a depleted French side on Sunday. The English will be the favourites to defeat their opponents who recently experienced a woeful defeat against Wales.
The French started the game against the Welsh as the top side and dominated early on as they raced to a 16-0 lead. However, a collapse led to them eventually going on to lose the game 24-19. The manner in which they lost composure mentally will surely take a toll on the team.
Ashton’s knowledge of French rugby could prove invaluable for England. He previously played club rugby in the country for Toulon.
Ashton said: “The speed of their domestic game is definitely affecting the step-up to international level.
“The Top 14 is a slow, stop-start game. When you’re in an international game it’s the highest intensity it could possibly be whereas their league isn’t at that level. I’m speaking from experience. It’s not anywhere near.”
“Maybe that step-up shocks them in that first couple of games but they will get up to speed very quickly.
“I’d definitely say the Premiership is a lot more intense. The ball is in play a lot more and the whole game is a lot quicker.”
Ashton added: “It will be an angry French team, desperate to make up for the last 20 minutes of that game against Wales.
“They will be up for the game against us more now than they would have been had they got the win. A lot of the French game is based on emotion but they’ve got a lot of good players in there too.
“If we know anything about the French, it is that they love a reaction. Their backs are against the wall and we expect nothing less from them really than putting everything into the situation. They’ve got to get a win and make up for last week.”
Anyone remember this kick from Chris Ashton when playing for Toulon?
