Two great rugby matches in prospect this weekend for the World Cup Semi Finals
France v England
The two teams have played each other 89 times England lead the series 47-35 with 7 draws
England have had the upper hand in the RWC winning a brutal quarter final in Paris in 1991 19-10 and a semi final in 2003 24-7
France won the dour 3rd place playoff game in 1995 19-9.
France beat England convincingly in two World Cup warm up games but England won the last competitive match between the sides when they denied the French a Grand Slam in this seasons Six Nations Championship.
Saturday's game will start with a full on forward battle between two strong packs - If France can hold their own their superior backs should win the game. England will be hoping they can out muscle the French and deny them the ball leaving Jonny Wilkinson's boot to rack up the points.
The French have home advantage but England will have plenty of support in the crowd and are no strangers to winning in Paris.
At the bookies the French are 3-1 odds on favourites with England at 5-2. Handicap betting gives England an 8 point head start.
Last week saw two enormous upsets to see these two sides make it to the semi finals will this week be the same?
Whatever happens it will be a great match full of passion and guts. Whichever side has the greatest heart will win the game.
South Africa v Argentina
South Africa are the current favourites to win the World Cup and appear to have the easiest draw but Argentina have excelled in this tournament beating home side France, Ireland and Scotland to deservedly make the semis.
Both sides have formidable packs so it is likely to be a massive battle up front. South Africa probably have the edge in the backs but Fiji and Tonga have both exposed weaknesses in the South African defence which Argentina will look to exploit. Argentina have also shown themselves adept at knocking over drop goals which should give them an edge in a tight game.
The two sides have only met twice with South Africa winning on both occasions.
The odds are the same as the other semi final with South Africa at 3-1 on and Argentina at 5-2
Expect a battle royal on Sunday,
Bring it On!
