England and France fighting fit
Andy Farrell is back in contention for a starting place on Saturday
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Tuesday, 09, Oct 2007 04:05
Both England and France are at full strength ahead of their relative selection announcements for Saturday's Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris.
The two sides had minor concerns over one or two players early this week after their surprising victories in last weekend's quarter-finals.
France were sweating on the fitness of flanker Serge Betsen, who suffered a nasty-looking concussion during the first half of the hosts' 20-18 victory over New Zealand.
But today, the Biarritz blind-side said: "The pain was a lot less on Sunday and everything is now fine."
Prop Olivier Milloud picked up a neck injury against the All Blacks and was also considered doubtful, although he has now recovered in order to be in contention for the starting line-up.
England's backs were somewhat depleted ahead of their 12-10 win over Australia in Marseilles, with centre Andy Farrell and utility man Olly Barkley both ruled out through injury.
However both have now recovered, from a calf strain and a dead leg respectively, and will hope to push incumbent inside centre Mike Catt for a place in the starting XV.
Toby Flood, who replaced the veteran after around 60 minutes of the last-eight match against the Wallabies, also impressed after coming on, leaving head coach Brian Ashton with a selection headache for the Paris showdown.