France play Fiji in the first game of Pool B today at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at 19:30.
An exciting game is anticipated with both sides aiming to finish on the top of the pool.
Despite France making the Final of RWC 1999 they are not among the favourites this year. But French flair is here and Les Bleus intend to play a key role as outsiders.
Their opponents Fiji missed out on a quarter finals berth in 1999 losing 45-24 to England in a play off at Twickenham.
Fiji on the rise
Since then they've been on the rise and are currently ranked 11th in the official IRB Rankings. France, ranked fifth, have the wood on Fiji beating them the last six times the two sides have met, including wins at the 1991 and 1999 RWCs.
France beat the Pacific Islanders in a Pool game in 1999 but the Tricolors didn’t have it all their own way. Fiji led 19-13 after an hour of play eventually losing 28-19.
The last time the two sides met was in France 2001 with Fiji going down 77-10.
French suprise
For this vital game the team selected by French coach Bernard Laporte included a few surprises.
The biggest is the selection of Tony Marsh who will partner Yannick Jauzion in the centres. Marsh, who has fully recovered from cancer, has not played at international level this year.
According to Laporte, Marsh is at the peak of fitness, “He is not here for show,” Laporte said.
Jauzion, who was slightly injured recently, was preferred over Damien Traille for the starting centre’s position. Nicolas Brusque, who was also uncertain due to injury, is the starting full back.
Fiji squad announced
The Fiji squad was announced with Isaaia Rasilo not selected as planned, departing Australia in a hurry due to a death in the family.
Ifereimi Rawaqa, who was ruled out of the squad last week through injury, has made a miraculous recovery and is in the starting XV in the back row.
Fiji's legendary attacking prowess is expected to be a real crowd pleaser this Tournament with two key exponents set to feature in this game. Filimoni Delasau will start the game on the wing, while Waisale Serevi will start from the bench.
If Fiji’s backs get some good ball they will create plenty of headaches for the French defence.
On the other hand France will try to control the game in the forwards starving Fiji of the ball.
Remember to follow the game live on rugbyworldcup.com
France :
15. Nicolas Brusque, 14. Aurelien Rougerie, 13. Yannick Jauzion, 12. Tony Marsh, 11. Christophe Dominici, 10. Frédéric Michalak, 9. Fabien Galthié (cap), 8. Imanol Harinordoquy, 7. Olivier Magne, 6. Serge Betsen, 5. Jerome Thion,4. Fabien Pelous, 3. Jean-Baptiste Poux, 2. Raphael Ibanez, 1. Jean-Jacques Crenca.
Replaçements: Yannick Bru, Olivier Milloud, Olivier Brouzet, Christian Labit, Gerald Merceron, Damien Traille, Pepito Elhorga.
Fiji :
15. Norman Ligairi, 14. Filimoni Delasau, 13. Aisea Tuileu, 12.Seru Rabeni, 11. Rupeni Caucau, 10. Nicky Little, 9.Moses Rauluni, 8. Alifereti Doviverata (cap), 7. Kitione Salawa, 6. Sisa Koyamaibole, 5. Api Naevo, 4. Ifereimi Rawaqa, 3. Joeli Veitayaki, 2. Greg Smith, 1.Richard Nyholt.
Replaçements: 16. Bill Gadolo, 17. Naca Seru, 18. Kele Leawere, 19. Koli Sewabu, 20. Samisoni Rabaka, 21. Waisale Serevi, 22. Marika Numibaka.