Laporte looks forward to semi-final battle
Bernard Laporte's side are on a high after defeating New Zealand.
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Tuesday, 09, Oct 2007 09:03
France coach Bernard Laporte has warned his players that things will not get any easier in their Rugby World Cup semi-final against England despite having disposed of the pre-tournament favourites New Zealand in the previous round.
The unexpected last four match-up comes after England also pulled off a surprise win, overcoming Australia 12-10 in Marseille.
"We saw against Australia that England is healthy again. We know their abilities, the quality of their players. It will be a very, very hard match against a pack that is very strong," said Laporte.
A powerful performance from England's forwards was key to the defending champions' win over the Wallabies, but Laporte picked a familiar face as the man who would be occupying most of his thoughts before Saturday's clash.
Jonny Wilkinson missed his team's 36-0 group defeat at the hands of South Africa and Laporte highlighted his return as one of the main factors behind England's steady improvement since then.
"He has come back well, although he missed a couple of kicks [against Australia]. He is one of the motors in this team and he gives them confidence. Is he at his best level? It's hard to say, you should ask him. But he is very much in form," he said.
Laporte's pack has been boosted by the return of flanker Serge Betsen, who looked likely to miss the match against England after receiving a heavy blow to the head in the win over the All Blacks.
The Biarritz back-row man has recovered faster than expected after a couple of days rest.