Wilko: France won't crack

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Wilkinson believes the French are one of the most mentally tough teams in world rugby, and proved their mettle with a shock quarter-final victory against the All Blacks.

"You'd be a fool to presume anything about this French side. There is an incredible expectation within France about playing the World Cup in their back yard," said Wilkinson. "They have shown they can cope with any pressure."

He added: "That pressure must have been enormous in Cardiff (against All Blacks) at half-time. They survived a huge barrage against the number one team on the planet at the moment and came back to win. And they didn't crack in the two warm-up games against us.

"We know how strong and balanced they are. They have enormous strength out wide and up front.

"This French team are in as good a shape as any French team in my time."