'England pose bigger World Cup test'

Updated 14.54 Tue Oct 09 2007

Keywords: Raphael Ibanez, France, World Cup, England, rugby, sport

France believe England pose a bigger World Cup challenge than New Zealand when the two Six Nations heavyweights go head to head in the semi-finals in Paris.

Last week Raphael Ibanez and his tournament hosts upset the mighty All Blacks 20-18 in Cardiff. And the French skipper is expecting an even tougher battle when Les Bleus go head-to-head with Brian Ashton's men.

"It's our biggest challenge of the competition so far and we all can't wait to roll our sleeves up against a great opponent" - Raphael Ibanez

England, who pulled off a surprise 12-10 win over the much-fancied Australia in the quarter-finals, have gradually improved during the finals as they bid to become the first nation to make a successful defence of the Webb Ellis trophy.

And Ibanez, who plays in the Guinness Premiership with London Wasps, said: "It's just about fronting up. With their pack, we know what is coming now. This is an even bigger challenge. They are the world champions and they are competitors.

"It's our biggest challenge of the competition so far and we all can't wait to roll our sleeves up against a great opponent.

"We are not scared of the English but we respect them. They are the holders of the title and we must not forget that."