George Ford knows from England's most recent tour to Argentina that France's shadow team will approach the Autumn Nations Cup final unburdened by fear.
Les Blues are missing the entire starting XV that sent Eddie Jones' men spinning to their only defeat of the year in Paris with 25 front-line internationals unavailable because of an agreement struck with the Top 14 clubs.
It means France will be fielding their third choice in some positions when they run out at Twickenham on Sunday.
England and France name their starting XV on Friday morning with Ford expected to continue at fly-half following his successful recovery from an Achilles injury.
Even allowing the selection constraints affecting the visitors, Ford expects a stiff challenge especially with Shaun Edwards overseeing their defence.
"France are very good defensively now obviously with Shaun Edwards there," the Leicester fly-half said.
"Shaun brings a very, very energised, aggressive defence. Lots of line speed, getting off the line, wanting to force errors. It fires them up in terms of winning collisions as well.
"Shaun's record speaks for itself. Any defensive team coached by him will be up for the challenge.
"France have got some really good kickers in the game as well, but it's an offload, a turnover, a high ball that bobbles everywhere that brings them alive, it really does.
"One offload and 15 French guys with blue shirts come alive – they're ready, they're off and that makes them unbelievably dangerous. We need to be at our best."
