What the papers say

England fans are used to talking in reverential tones about French flamboyance and Gallic genius, but Bernard Laporte's team are as proud of their courage as they are their creativity. After a quarter-final victory over New Zealand that was noted more for determination than inspiration, L’Equipe today hails the new spirit of organisation and discipline. Its headline - “Better organised, less flair” – captures the mood of gritty optimism.

“Like a symbol of the team’s evolution under Bernard Laporte, England will be less scared of France’s flair than their organisation,” the sports paper said. It adds that, unlike Australia’s feeble pack, the France eight will not crumble under an onslaught from England’s formidable forwards.

As if that was not sufficient to cause palpitations in the England camp, Jason Leonard, the former England prop and World Cup winner, has told the paper that he can see France going all the way. Leonard says Laporte's team have matured. Unlike former France teams, the present generation are more disciplined and less easy to wind up.

DOUG GRATTON