France

Ireland survived injuries to talismans Johnny Sexton, Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahoney to book a quarter-final clash with Argentina by beating France with some comfort, 24-9, on Sunday afternoon.

French big hitters Louis Picamoles and Noa Nakaitaci will both start for France against Ireland in Cardiff on Sunday.

Ireland must beware Louis Picamoles' broadened horizons in Sunday's pivotal World Cup clash with France, according to Simon Easterby.

Paul O'Connell has fired up Ireland's forwards for Sunday's pivotal battle with France by detailing all their World Cup shortcomings.

France secured a crucial bonus point in the race to top Pool D as they beat a valiant Canada side 41-18 in front of a record crowd at Stadium MK.

France winger Noa Nakaitaci admits head coach Philippe Saint-Andre gave the team a profanity-laced half-time dressing down following a disappointing first half display against Romania.

Two tries from Sofiane Guitoune helped France to a battling 38-11 victory over Romania as the 2011 World Cup finalists moved above Ireland to the top of Pool D.

France began their World Cup in an efficient manner and showed glimpses that they can be a serious threat at this year’s tournament after a 32-10 victory over Italy.

Controversial Scotland call-up John Hardie will be given the chance to justify his selection after being named in the side which faces France in Paris on Saturday.

France have omitted fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc from their World Cup squad in favour of Frederic Michalak.

England approach the deadline for naming their World Cup squad wounded by an abject defeat to France that drew scathing verdicts from coach and captain.

England's preparations for the home World Cup suffered a setback after they slumped to a 25-20 defeat by France that at least featured a stirring late fightback.

Luther Burrell is ready to tackle the latest hurdle in his career when he performs his final audition for a place in England's World Cup squad.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has picked a strong pack that is close to first choice in the hope of outmuscling England once again in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match in Paris.

France have selected first-choice centre pairing Wesley Fofana and Mathieu Bastareaud for Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against England in Paris.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster insists selecting his centres for the World Cup is a decision that will go down to the wire, but appears to be closing in on his preferred quartet.

England and France got their Rugby World Cup warm-up schedules underway on Saturday night, with England triumphing over France at Twickenham, 19-14.

Hooker Dimitri Szarzewski will captain France for their 100th international against England in the first of two World Cup warm-up matches between the old rivals.

Stuart Lancaster has named an experimental side to play France this weekend, clearly with an emphasis on examining the potential merits of his fringe players, rather than honing the chemistry of his 1st XV.

Any team that enters this year’s Rugby World Cup has but one initial goal – emerge from the group stages and qualify for the quarter-finals.