The Number 6 match up pits Serge Betsen against Richard Hill in an individual clash that could well decide tonight's all important semi final.
The Serge Betsen brickwall
The battle scarred body of Serge Betsen is the first thing that will hit any English player who decides to have a run with the ball.
Betsen has had over 200 stiches during his rugby career and has probably been responsible for twice that, but this is understandable when you notice what defensive feats are performed by the 28 year olds 92 kg, 182cm body.
Betsen stops people, continuously and ferociously, but speaking to rugbyworldcup.com he says enjoys the experience.
“The first impact of the match is very important because it allows me to forget all my fears”.
Though he wears the number six, Betsen is free to utilise some of the attacking possibilities of a traditional openside position, coach Laporte using a left and right strategy with opposite flanker Olivier Magne.
Besten’s principle job against England will be to tackle playmaker Jonny Wilkinson and if the fly half passes, then the newly appointed second playmaking option in inside Centre Mike Catt is Besten's responsibility.
If this flanker can stop both and preferably before either of them cross the advantage line, then he will nullify the English attacking structure and go close to ensuring his side wins the match.
He did it in March last year and France won the test match and with the admirable form he brings from the Tournament so far, he may well do it again.
The silent but deadly Richard Hill
England's key flanker is thought of by many as one of the best in the world.
Richard Hill is nicknamed the ‘Silent Assassin’ in reference to his deadly tackling ability whilst never exuding too noticeable a presence on the field.
But his influence in the England side is far from silent and Hill will be looking to throw his significantly greater bulk -at 189 cm 104 kg, 12kg heavier than Besten - to try and out muscle his opposite number.
He may suffer from a lack of match fitness as he returns from a long rest due to a hamstring injury, but his 61 caps experience is vital to his nation's success.
Hill will look to wrap up the French in the rucks and mauls, and his famous ability to deny an opponent of almost any time with the ball will be essential to England’s hopes of winning the match.