France name unchanged side to face Wales

France coach Marc Lievremont has named an unchanged team for Saturday's Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales.

After stumbling through their pool with two defeats, and amidst talk of a payer revolt, France finally hit their stride last week to beat England 19-12.

Francois Trinh-Duc came off the bench to guide Les Bleus to victory with a drop goal and some smart tactical kicking but he remains among the replacements with Morgan Parra starting again at fly-half.

France have lost at the semi-finals stage in the last two World Cups, both times at the hands of England.

Lievremont has named the most experienced French side since that semi-final defeat to England in Paris four years ago, with his team boasting a total of 687 caps.

Eleven members of the French starting side played in their 28-9 victory over Wales in the Six Nations.

France have lost just once to Wales in their last seven meetings, when Warren Gatland's men won the Grand Slam in 2008.

France team to play Wales in the Rugby World Cup semi-final at Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday, October 15:

M Medard; V Clerc, A Rougerie, M Mermoz, A Palisson; M Parra, D Yachvili; J Poux, W Servat, N Mas, P Pape, L Nallet, T Dusautoir (capt), J Bonnaire, I Harinordoquy.

Replacements: D Szarzewski, F Barcella, J Pierre, L Picamoles, F Trinh-Duc, D Marty, C Heymans.

PA