I won't repeat mistake against France, says Chris Ashton

Chris Ashton has vowed to prove against France on Saturday that his worst moment with England is a distant memory as he bids to set a Six Nations try-scoring record.

It was against the French 12 months ago that Ashton made his Test debut but the 23-year-old was played out of position on the left wing and "butchered" the kind of try opportunity he is now taking in his stride.

Ashton kicked ahead too early at Stade de France, allowing France full-back Clement Poitrenaud to get back and touch down with the hosts going on to clinch the Grand Slam with a dour 12-10 win.

Now, with nine tries in as many Tests, Ashton has learned the lessons of a year ago and will spearhead England's bid at Twickenham to beat their only rivals for a clean sweep.

The Northampton winger said: "The Paris match was the first time I had played on the left wing, it was my first cap and the whole thing was a very new experience. That was what it was down to.

"I'd like to think that I have not kicked the ball since that happened. If that situation arises again I'd like to think I'd know what to do now.

"It was a learning curve and now I am a bit further on in my career. I don't know if it was about nerves, although I did learn a lot in my first Test.

"One of the big things was to realise that while you can get away with that kind of thing in a club match, you won't at the highest level."

With six tries in this season's championship, Ashton needs just one more to surpass the Six Nations best, which he currently shares with Will Greenwood and Shane Williams.

The bigger issue for him, though, is the Grand Slam given that England have not won it since 2003.

He said: "Would I take a Grand Slam if it meant I didn't score another try in the championship? You bet I would but we have only played two games."

If Ashton does break the record then everyone will be intrigued to see if the former rugby league player delivers his now famous swallow dive as he crosses the line.

It is a trademark he insists is spontaneous rather than contrived although the England management cringe every time he leaps into the air with the ball held in just one hand.

Were he to drop it and butcher another try, Ashton's attitude may change but, for now, he is enjoying the role of crowd-pleaser.

"Of course, I'm happy if what I do inspires youngsters to play rugby," said Ashton. "When I was a kid, what Jason Robinson did on the pitch had an effect on me.

"The dive is something that came out of nowhere and it just happened. Everyone scores tries the way they want and it's all run away a bit.

"I can understand why kids like what I do but it really is a spur of the moment thing. I really don't want it to take anything away from the way that we are playing.

"The only reason I am able to do it is because of how well the lads are playing and creating the chances."