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WORLD SPORT

Laporte is calm after storming win

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French coach Laporte relays his instructions against England

PARIS, France (Reuters) -- Bernard Laporte was in no mood to celebrate on Monday despite the euphoria of the French media following Sunday's 31-6 thrashing of England.

France look certain to win the Six Nations if they beat Wales in Cardiff on Saturday but coach Laporte remained calm during an informal media briefing.

"We are happy to have won this match because games against England are always difficult and because the win gives us a good chance of winning the Six Nations," he said.

"We will travel to Cardiff to win the game against Wales and to win the championship, but we haven't won it yet."

France and Ireland, who play England at Twickenham on Saturday, each have six points from three wins and a defeat.

If both teams win - or both lose - the trophy will be awarded on points difference over all championship matches and France have the advantadge with +58 points to +30 of Ireland. England, on four points, have +18.

"Wales drew with Italy on Saturday but they could have scored four tries before the break. They are going through a difficult season but Wales are still Wales. They have a lot of pride and they will play at home", Laporte said.

The French coach admitted though that the good victory over England had set up a good week's preparation.

"It will enable us to work quietly and with the same squad all week barring bad surprises as five players are having X-rays", he said.

Team doctor Thierry Hermerel said the five were props Olivier Milloud and Pieter de Villiers, number eight Thomas Lievremont, centre Damien Traille and wing Aurelien Rougerie.

"They suffered back or rib injuries. We are not too worried but we need to check," he added.

Asked about the performance of his team against England, Laporte answered that his biggest satisfaction was that the players "tried to perform well in all sectors of the game."

"We had a lot of possession, we defended well and we took the opportunities when they came. It was by far our most controlled and complete game since our wins over Australia and South Africa in November," he said.

"To beat England by 25 points is no mean feat."

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