New Zealand's rugby team player Daniel Carter attends the captain's run at Millennium stadium in Cardiff. Photo / Brett Phibbs
PARIS (Reuters) - New Zealand meet France and defending champions England face old rivals Australia as the business end of the World Cup begins in earnest with two heavyweight quarter-final clashes on Saturday.
New Zealand breezed through the pool stage with four one-sided victories and take on France
at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff (1900) eager to underline their status as tournament favourites.
First five-eighths Dan Carter, who missed New Zealand's final group match against Romania last weekend, has shaken off a calf muscle injury and came through a light training session on Friday.
France, who have regained their poise since losing the tournament opener to Argentina, gamble on Lionel Beauxis at first five-eighths and Damien Traille at fullback.
Coach Bernard Laporte is ready to bury his side's natural flair and opt for possession and territorial advantage to try and combat the All Blacks's attacking threat.
Australia are determined to avenge their 2003 final defeat by England in what should be a classic encounter at the Velodrome stadium (1300). Each team will run out with five survivors from their starting line-up of four years ago.
The Wallabies have captain Stirling Mortlock back after he partially dislocated his shoulder earlier in the tournament, while Berrick Barnes continues at first five-eighths in place of the injured Stephen Larkham.
Jason Robinson returns at fullback for England who have been forced into another backline reshuffle after Andy Farrell suffered a calf injury.
Mike Catt, who has not featured in the match 22 for the last two games since being dropped after playing first five-eighths in the 36-0 defeat by South Africa, starts at inside centre.
England first five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson needs six points to overhaul Scotland's Gavin Hastings as the World Cup's all-time leading points scorer.
- REUTERS
