Injured French tighthead prop Pieter de Villiers says France won’t have to look too far for inspiration in this Sunday’s semi final show down with England.
Ruled out of the French squad after injuring his shoulder in a cycling accident at a pre-RWC training camp, De Villiers believes Les Bleus centre Tony Marsh is the man they will turn to after he fought his way back from testicular cancer to take his place in France's squad.
"Tony is a huge inspiration to the guys," said De Villiers speaking to planetrugby.com
"Not only did he fight back from cancer, but he has returned to the form that first made him a key man in the side. "
Star performer
The New Zealand born Marsh was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, but never gave up hope of pulling on the famous Tri Colores for his adopted country at Rugby World Cup 2003.
The 31 year old repaying the faith of coach Bernard Laporte by establishing himself as one of the stars of the Tournament, forming a damaging midfield combination with Yannick Jauzion.
"He creates opportunities around him and he has a wonderful calming influence on all those crazy, flamboyant outside backs around him,” De Villiers said.
Remarkable comeback
The whole squad was initially rocked by Marsh's news but he continually surprised his team mates throughout his remarkable comeback.
"When he was diagnosed with cancer it was a huge shock to us all," De Villiers said
“Luckily they detected it early enough and his treatment was not that tough on him. But what astounded me most was his immediate return to fitness.
"After a long lay-off, you tend to battle with tendonitis or contracted muscles, but Tony has just picked up where he left off."
France on the money
De Villiers is backing his countrymen to go all the way, predicting they will book a spot in the final by leap-frogging over pre-Tournament favourites England on Sunday.
"I've been watching every game," De Villiers said.
"The guys are going well and I firmly believe they can go on and win the Tournament.
"They've got the pack and the backs - they've got a good all-round team."