France are the most successful of the northern hemisphere nations in Rugby World Cup history, having reached the final for the second time four years ago, a feat which meant they qualified automatically for the 2003 showpiece.
Les Bleus, as the national team are known, produced the upset of the 1999 event by beating hot tournament favourites New Zealand 43-31 with an outstanding display of opportunist attacking rugby. A week later, however, fatigue told hold as they were beaten convincingly 35-12 by Australia in Cardiff.
The story had been the same 12 years earlier in the inaugural event, except then it had been Australia that France had beaten in the semi final, coming from behind three times to triumph 30-24 after Serge Blanco’s last gasp try in the corner.
France were unable to repeat the feat in the final against favourites New Zealand, losing 29-9, but are nonetheless the only northern hemisphere nation to reach two Rugby World Cup finals.
Their least remarkable performance came in 1991, when they lost to England in the quarter-finals, while four years later South Africa - the eventual world champions - beat them in the semis.
France also have their place in Rugby World Cup history on another count, having played in the only draw to date, a 20-20 tie with Scotland, on their debut in May 1987.
Winners of the last Five Nations and first Six Nations Grand Slams, France have traditionally been known for their flair, unpredictability and attacking style of play with Jean-Pierre Rives, Blanco and Pierre Villepreux among their legendary players.
Under current coach Bernard Laporte these traditional French traits have been bolstered by a more disciplined outlook meaning that France cannot be ruled out of serious contention.
Captain and IRB International Player of the Year for 2002 , Fabien Galthie, is one key player, with others to watch being Damien Traille, Clément Poitrenaud, Serge Betsen and Imanol Harinordoquy.