France determined to complete Grand Slam

France centre Mathieu Bastareaud is focused on helping France capture the Grand Slam - even if they are already RBS 6 Nations champions by the time they kick off against England.

Marc Lievremont's men have exceeded expectations this year and are widely expected to complete a clean sweep by beating England at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Les Bleus also have the added motivation of wanting to avenge last year's hefty 34-10 defeat, while England will want to end on a high note after a disappointing tournament.

The French could already be champions by the time they take to the pitch on Saturday night, with Ireland's match against Scotland taking place nearly three hours earlier, but Bastareaud admits they are driven by the thought of the Grand Slam.

'Really, we're thinking about it, it's an added source of motivation,' said the Stade Francais centre. 'But it's not going to be easy.

'We know them, the English, I have three with me in my club. We're expecting a great match. They are not so different from us. They are a bit more hard working, more rigid, more forthright but they are good lads. It's a pleasure to meet them in a match.'

Just as France have been the team of this year's competition, Bastareaud has emerged as arguably the player of the tournament.

The powerful centre started his tournament by completing a fairytale comeback against Scotland, scoring his first two international tries in his first Test start since falsely claiming he had been assaulted during his country's tour of New Zealand last summer.

And Bastareaud, who was rested against Italy, has gone from strength to strength since then.

The 21-year-old admits he has matured significantly this year. 'I think I have grown,' he said. 'That in the game I'm raising my head more, physically, mentally. I feel better and you can see that on the pitch.

'In Scotland, during the first game, I just wanted to have a good game, start my tournament well.

'I was - and I knew - a thousand times awaited. Above all I just focused on putting myself in a bubble, on not putting more pressure on me than there was.

'It's part of my daily life, I just needed to learn how to manage it.'