PETER JACKSON

For reasons that defy all logic, France have never failed to reach a World Cup final once every 12 years: Auckland 1987, Cardiff 1999, Auckland 2011. Adding Paris 2023 to the list will be tested as never before tonight at the Stade de France, less a rugby match, more a state occasion.
End South Africa’s reign as holders and the hosts will be rewarded with a home semi-final against a less than fearsome England or the erratic Fijians, second best last weekend to the most surprising team of the tournament, Portugal.
Should France find a way of depowering the most physical team on...