There are various in-jokey things about it, the main one being the photographs heading each chapter.

A figo for the governor, and a figo for his flag.

We come not by the way of accusation / To taint that honour every good tongue blesses.

England had an early opportunity with a line-out deep in French territory after a clever grubber from Foden only for Lionel Nallet to burgle back possession, and they then tore into France again as Alexis Palisson was smashed backwards after taking a garryowen and Manu Tuilagi thundered into Morgan Parra.