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Rugby World Cup 2011: Semi Final - Wales vs France Match Preview

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Semi Final - Wales vs France Match Preview
The most thrilling part of the Rugby World Cup 2011 is about to start when Wales takes on France in the first semi-final of the ongoing global event in Auckland on October 15. Both sides have made a surprise entry in the second last stage of the world showpiece
by thumping group leaders Ireland and England respectively. Wales has now emerged as a better side under the impressive leadership of the young and talented Sam Warburton, who was preferred over many seasoned players for the captaincy of the side.
Both Wales and France were not in most experts minds to make their places in the semi-final stages before the start of the event. However, they worked exceptionally well to make the critics fans.
The French side, which was under immense pressure after receiving two big defeats in the Pool matches, crushed the last world cup’s finalists England to mark their third consecutive presence in the semi-final. France was under-fire from the national and
international media but one significant performance restored their lost status.
Both sides have faced each other 88 times and Wales has got a slightly better record than France. Wales won 43 matches whereas France is just behind with 42 and three outgoings remained result-less. However, it is the very first time that the teams are meeting
in any global tournament since 1987.
France has maintained their previous team line that defeated England in the quarter-final. Their half-back, Dimitri Yachvili, was feared to miss the clash due an injury but later on was cleared to participate in a much anticipated match.
Meanwhile, Wales has featured one change in their side as their regular fly-half Rhys Priestland has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. James Hook has been named his replacement for the upcoming match.
The coaches of both teams have given full respect to each others squad for the upcoming encounter. French coach, Marc Lievremont, appreciated the Welsh side for their impressive run over Ireland and said that, “They play very good rugby, in all areas. I've
been impressed by how they kept Ireland under control, because the Irish were in good shape, too. The Welsh play more or less the same rugby as three years ago, but their forwards are more mobile and still very courageous.”  
 Wales' assistant coach Sean Edwards also applauded the French side and said that, " They've (Wales) come together and in quite a short amount of time they've improved rapidly. It's been
down to hard work, strength of character, no little skill. Obviously a lot of work on the paddock, in the gym, on the running track. There's no substitute for hard work.”
Welsh side is considered the favourite for the upcoming match for their good solid defence in the whole tournament.
Teams for Semi-final contest:
France: 1. Jean-Baptiste Poux, 2. William Servat, 3. Nicolas Mas, 4. Pascal Pape, 5. Lionel Nallet, 6. Thierry Dusautoir (capt), 7. Julien Bonnaire, 8. Imanol Harinordoquy, 9. Dimitri Yachvili, 10. Morgan Parra, 11. Alexis Palisson, 12. Maxime Mermoz, 13.
Aurelien Rougerie, 14. Vincent Clerc, 15. Maxime Medard.

Reserves: 16. Dimitri Szarzewski, 17. Fabien Barcella, 18. Julien Pierre, 19. Louis Picamoles, 20. Francois Trinh-Duc, 21. David Marty, 22. Cedric Heymans.
Wales: 1. Gethin Jenkins, 2. Huw Bennett, 3. Adam Jones, 4. Luke Charteris, 5. Alun Wyn Jones, 6. Dan Lydiate, 7. Sam Warburton (capt), 8. Toby Faletau, 9. Mike Phillips, 10. James Hook, 11. Shane Williams, 12. Jamie Roberts, 13. Jonathan Davies, 14. George
North, 15. Leigh Halfpenny.

Reserves: 16. Lloyd Burns, 17. Paul James, 18. Bradley Davies, 19. Ryan Jones, 20. Lloyd Williams, 21. Stephen Jones, 22. Scott Williams.

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