Four years ago, everyone was looking forward to this semi-final, but in 2007 this is the last-four confrontation nobody expected to see. Both teams turned in stellar performances to upset their more fancied opponents, Australia and New Zealand.

This game will also be the fourth meeting between these two teams this year, with England claiming victory in their Six Nations match while France won both World Cup warm-up games. In the modern era, seeing two international sides play each other this many times in one year is a rarity.

Up against Australia, England successfully slowed the Australian ball and defended superbly around the fringes of the ruck, severely limiting any Wallaby chances. Despite creating some chances of their own, England did not actually score a try in their quarter-final win, something which may be of concern to coach Brian Ashton.

'The squads chosen by both coaches indicate that both teams intend to kick for territory and play a forwards-based game, so once again goal kicking will be vital'


France upset the All Blacks in their quarter-final with a combination of inspired tactics from coach Bernard Laporte and ferocious defence from every player. It is unlikely that England will play into Laporte's hands in the same way the All Blacks did, given the number of times these teams have played each other in recent years, but France have won four of their last five encounters with England and will come into this game with a great deal of belief.

For the first time at this World Cup, coach Ashton has all 30 players available for selection but has chosen to keep the same squad which beat Australia. His counterpart Laporte has chosen a similar strategy, leaving rookie Lionel Beauxis in the pivotal fly-half role and converting centre Damien Traille at fullback.

The squads chosen by both coaches indicate that both teams intend to kick for territory and play a forwards-based game, so once again goal kicking will be vital. While Jonny Wilkinson has been a little wayward with his boot so far in this tournament, in the corresponding fixture in the 2003 World Cup Wilkinson kicked all 27 points for England.

Coach Laporte will also be looking to make effective use of his bench, which boasts quality players like Sebastian Chabal and Frederic Michalak, who played a pivotal role in France's game-winning try against the All Blacks last weekend. England's bench does not have the same depth as their opponents, but does include impact players Lawrence Dallaglio and Toby Flood.

The result of this game hinges on two factors, firstly how France deal with their win last weekend. They could find themselves emotionally spent after that famous win and unable to find that form again, or they could use it as inspiration to lift their game to the next level and put in another top performance in front of their home fans.

The other factor which will influence the outcome will be the play of the fly-halves. Both forward packs are evenly matched and will be looking to their No.10 to turn their opponents around and gain the upper hand up front.

The closeness of last week's results and the familiarity these teams have with each other makes this a very difficult game to pick. Former All Black Zinzan Brooke says: "I have a draw with France and England and it will go into extra time." 

However, it is difficult to see France losing on home soil after last weekend's win. But if there is a team capable of ending France's run, it is England - and that is what makes this game so appealing.

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