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PARIS - France could struggle physically when they face England in their World Cup semifinal at the Stade de France on Sunday (NZ time), halfback Jean-Baptiste Elissalde said.
"We're all a bit tired," said Elissalde, pointing out that France had suffered in their astonishing 20-18 win over favourites New Zealand in the quarter-finals last weekend.
"We forgot about our bumps and bruises after the win because we were so euphoric but they didn't disappear.
"I have a sore hand and a sore knee and I only did around 10 tackles while some players did over 30. I'm not saying we're not ready but that match did cost us a lot of energy."
France, Elissalde added, would also need mental strength against the defending champions and must be careful not to collapse after their amazing feat in the previous round.
The Toulouse halfback is perfectly aware that France have a record for failing to repeat great performances, having lost two World Cup finals after memorable semifinal wins over Australia and New Zealand in 1987 in 1999.
Like England, France have come a long way in this tournament, bouncing back after an upset defeat by Argentina in the opening game.
"I think it will be said of our team that it was very strong mentally but that will happen only if we win on Saturday," Elissalde said.
"The question is whether we can still raise the level of our game."
The frail number nine started the World Cup as France's second choice behind Pierre Mignoni but has established himself as number one.
What France needed to do, Elissalde said, was to forget about the victory over the All Blacks straight away.
"Beating the best side in the world was fantastic but we have to concentrate on the task ahead," he said. "We'll celebrate later. We will still able to watch that match on ESPN in 30 years."
France, who fought and defended superbly against New Zealand, must do the same against England but should get more opportunities to run the ball, he predicted.
"I'd say we should have 20 to 25 per cent more possession than we had against New Zealand. "We must make sure we make the most of it."
Elissalde, who has scored 190 points from 28 internationals and will find out from the coaching staff later on Friday whether he or first five-eighths Lionel Beauxis takes the goalkicking duties against England, urged his team to live up to the challenge.
"That match will be our toughest in the entire campaign," he said. "We must believe in ourselves. At stake is a ticket to the most beautiful thing on earth."
- REUTERS
