Photos: Key semifinal match-upsKEY POINTS:
If France make the final of their own World Cup, it would be just the second time in the tournament's 20-year history that a side losing a pool game has reached the decider.
Of course, if England make it through against the hosts tomorrow, they will emulate their
1991 feat, when they reached the final after being beaten by the All Blacks in pool play.
England have done remarkably well, given their spotty record since the last tournament, to have got as far as they have. Their progress has stunned arch-patriot and World Cup winning skipper Martin Johnson.
That could continue tomorrow if France are still feeling the effects of their energy-sapping tackle-athon against the All Blacks, but you fancy it might be a semifinal too far.
It would be immense for the tournament if France made it through, and even more extraordinary if Argentina made it by knocking over the Springboks.
For one thing, it would pit the opening match rivals against each other again, it would heighten the sporting festival spirit even further in France, it would deliver a fresh champion and provoke all sorts of talk about the Pumas dining regularly at rugby's top table.
In the boutique sports shops along the marvellous Champs Elysses, the Pumas' replica kit is being showcased front of house, while the All Blacks apparel has been eased towards the middle of the stores.
The Pumas may not bring the flashiest style but they have a disciplined, organised, methodical approach to their rugby; big bruising, uncomplicated forwards who love banging their bodies about, and a great inside back combination of captain Agustin Pichot, Juan Martin Hernandez and Felipe Contepomi.
They will take some stopping against the Springboks; they will relish the physical onslaught and have shown oodles of the hang-tough attitude needed since their opening night victory against France.
It will be a mockery if a team which at worst will be fourth at this World Cup, cannot find regular international competition.
The IRB says it is powerless to coerce the Six Nations or Tri-Nations to include the Pumas. It should try harder. The Six Nations seems a more sensible fit. Distance is the enemy in the Tri-Nations, the journeys to and from South Africa are tough enough without having to tack on trips to Buenos Aires.
Argentina may not have sustainable domestic competitions but they clearly have the raw talent. They have beaten France four out of the last five times, won three times straight against Ireland and defeated Scotland.
Many of their players are involved in club competitions in Europe, where they polish their skills, so assembling them for test duty in Europe would not be such a big deal.
Fitting Argentina into a global schedule is one issue the IRB will have to wrestle with at their meeting about an integrated season. The sport's administrators probably hoped the problem would disappear - but the Pumas have changed all that with their success. Imagine if they become World Cup champions and remain international pariahs.
