Let Battle Commence!

So here we are, 2 days before the first Semi-Final of the Rugby World Cup 2011, in which Wales will play France for a place in the final. Some interesting facts about Wales-France matches include that Wales have only ever beaten France once in their last seven meetings, that coming in Wales' 2008 Grand Slam winning Six Nations side, and eleven members of the French team that beat Wales in the 2011 Six Nations 28-9 start Saturday's match. So should Wales have cause for concern? The answer is yes, undoubtedly. France are one of the best teams in the world at kicking, whether it be out of hand or from the tee. Shaun Edwards, Wales' defence coach, has even come out and said that the game will be won by the side that plays the kicking game better. Also, though often temperamental, as we have already seen in their 19-14 loss to Tonga in their final pool match, when France play as a cohesive unit, they are one of the best teams in the world, as England found out to their cost last weekend. However, Wales shouldn't run too scared, not with the form their in anyway. Though Wales have had a massive setback in light of the news that Rhys Priestland will not be fit for the Semi-Final, James Hook is a more than capable replacement. His quick thinking and awesome tenacity in trying to gain possession means that before Priestland's rise to stardom, he was many people's first choice Fly Half. Also, Marc Lievremont has named an unchanged XV, the most experienced French side since 2007, which boasts 687 caps. But, Wales' youth, overall fitness and hunger could be pivotal, like it was against Ireland, and France will have to be wary of the scoreboard being in their favour, because the longer the clock ticks, the stronger Wales perform. Key battles lie in the scrum, with both front rows looking strong, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. As aforementioned, the kicking game will be vital, so Hook versus Dimitri Yachvili, who is carrying a slight knock to his thigh, will probably tell the tale of who wins on Saturday. So, it will once again be a battle of youth versus experience, form versus the form-book. Wales-France will be a corker of a match, and not one to miss.

Wales squad vs France: 

Backs - L Halfpenny; G North, SM Williams; J Davies, J Roberts; J Hook, M Phillips. 

Forwards - G Jenkins, H Bennett, A Jones; L Charteris, AW Jones; D Lydiate, S Warburton (capt), T Faletau.

Replacements - L Burns, P James, B Davies, R Jones, L Williams, S Jones, S Williams.

France squad vs Wales:

Backs -M Medard; V Clerc, A Rougerie, M Mermoz, A Palisson; M Parra, D Yachvili.
Forwards - J Poux, W Servat, N Mas, P Pape, L Nallet, T Dusautoir (capt), J Bonnaire, I Harinordoquy.
Replacements - D Szarzewski, F Barcella, J Pierre, L Picamoles, F Trinh-Duc, D Marty, C Heymans.