Six Nations

France No.8 Imanol Harinordoquy denies saying he hates the English, but admits he is a vindictive personality and is hoping France avenge several painful defeats by their arch foes by clinching their first Grand Slam since 2004 in beating them in Paris on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Biarritz star - who has during this Six Nations ridiculed the nickname of 'Very Ordinary' handed to him by his critics with outstanding performances - has twice been at the wrong end of an English beating in the 2003 and 2007 World Cup semifinals.

And Harinordoquy - also a member of the team that was played off the pitch in last year's 34-10 defeat at Twickenham by England - admits it hurts.

"England are a team who I like to play against because they are a great side," said Harinordoquy, man of the match in the opening win against Scotland and scorer of a try in the 46-20 defeat of Italy last Sunday.

"You know that you are in for a hell of a match and that your opposite number is not going to concede an inch. There will be of course fights.

"But there is no hatred, nothing personal.

"I am a vindictive personality, however. England is a team that has prevented us from playing in two World Cup finals, so therefore yes we really want to beat them.

"It is vital to learn from the past to prepare for this match," added Harinordoquy, who has played against England 10 times, winning four of the encounters and losing six.

Harinordoquy, who will win his 62nd cap on Saturday, said that he wasn't expecting any favours from an England side, who have failed to convince during the tournament and are coming off a 15-15 draw with Scotland last Saturday which means they cannot win the title even if they beat France.

"If the English are not here to win the title, they will be here to get up our noses.... It will be the toughest match of the Six Nations in terms of intensity.

"We will not be there [at the Stade de France] to put on a spectacle, we have something to win."

Harinordoquy, who has returned to the top level this year refreshed after being out injured following victory over world champions South Africa last November, said that sealing the Grand Slam would be a huge step on France's path towards next year's World Cup finals in New Zealand.

"On Saturday, we are playing a final," said Harinordoquy.

"The team needs this in order to grow in stature. It is vital to put the cherry on the cake, and Grand Slams don't come along very often."

Harinordoquy for that matter has been fortunate enough to be part of two Grand Slam winning sides, in 2002 when he made his first impact on the international stage and then in 2004 when joy of joys for him he scored a try in the decisive match against....England at the Stade de France.

"When one is approaching the end of ones career internationally, you appreciate them more than at the beginning," smiled Harinordoquy.

"When one is younger, one says to oneself there will be others and more that time moves on you accept that there won't be any more."

AFP