By DAVID LEGGAT at the World Cup
STORY SO FAR: The best form of the big guns. Alone among the heavyweights, they have yet to get a scare. Demolished Fiji, Scotland and Ireland and, unusually for the French, the players all seem to be singing from the same sheet.
STRENGTHS: Muscular, aggressive
pack, second to none; impressive lineout; the best loose forward trio in the competition; an inspiring captain; fast, elusive backs and terrific discipline, which has not often been a strong suit. All in all a belting recipe.
WEAKNESSES: None immediately apparent, although with the French there will always be a nagging query over whether they will hold together under sustained pressure. If Wilkinson kicks goals early they may have to come from behind, which they haven't had to do so far. Then again, they have done it before - the 1999 semifinal against you-know-who at Twickenham for starters.
KEY PLAYER: Frederic Michalak. Probably the player of the tournament so far. An excellent goalkicker, passing ability to ignite the backline, has the precocity of youth combined with a composed, intelligent demeanour.
WINNERS OR LOSERS: Winners. A settled camp, in contrast to all their past cup campaigns. Playing brilliantly, confidence high and for motivation they don't particularly like their opponents tomorrow.
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