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Spedding and France feeling the pressure

France have won just three of seven internationals since former Toulouse coach Noves took over and finished a disappointing fifth in the Six Nations last season.

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Following the Samoa, game France play Australia on November 19 and New Zealand in Paris on November 26 for the first time since they were humiliated 13-62 at the World Cup in 2015.

"It's been a year now that we've been together. I know that the public want to see results and there's a big month ahead of us when we have to win matches," said Clermont fullback Spedding.

South Africa-born Spedding was first called up to two years ago, but despite his 16 caps the 30-year-old admitted he still felt "like a newcomer".

"There are always huge expectations in the France team. It's normal. I don't feel like a leader; I want to show that I deserve my place.

"It's a big month to show that I really want to be part of this adventure until 2019 [World Cup in Japan]."

The team are just coming off two weeks intensive training in south-western France before taking on Samoa. 

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"The pressure is settling in nicely and will gradually build. I hope we'll live up to everyone's expectations, especially our own," added hooker Camille Chat.

Agence France-Presse

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