France unchanged for Wales clash

France coach Marc Lievremont has named an unchanged team for Saturday's Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales.

After stumbling through their pool with two defeats, and amidst talk of a payer revolt, France finally hit their stride last week to beat England 19-12.

Francois Trinh-Duc came off the bench to guide Les Bleus to victory with a drop-goal and some smart tactical kicking, but he remains among the replacements with Morgan Parra starting again at fly-half.

France have lost at the semi-finals stage in the last two World Cups, both times at the hands of England.

Lievremont has named the most experienced French side since that semi-final defeat to England in Paris four years ago, with his team boasting a total of 687 caps.

Eleven members of the French starting side played in their 28-9 victory over Wales in the Six Nations.

France team: M Medard; V Clerc, A Rougerie, M Mermoz, A Palisson; M Parra, D Yachvili; J Poux, W Servat, N Mas, P Pape, L Nallet, T Dusautoir (capt), J Bonnaire, I Harinordoquy.

Replacements: D Szarzewski, F Barcella, J Pierre, L Picamoles, F Trinh-Duc, D Marty, C Heymans.

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