Clerc: Motivated by past defeats

Les Bleus reached the last-four for the third successive tournament after their 19-12 victory over England - with Wales now blocking their route to the final.

And although France have beaten Wales in six of their past seven encounters, Clerc knows that previous form will count for nothing at Eden Park.

"The Welsh team has had some great matches in this tournament," he said.

"We must not rest on our laurels. The Welsh team has been very strong, although they have weaknesses, and we are looking to target those weaknesses.

"They have some very strong players, very dynamic. They are a real class act - we love playing against them."

France have hardly set the RWC alight, having lost to New Zealand and Tonga in the pool stages.

However Clerc believes the motivation of their defeats to England in the 2003 and 2007 semi-finals is driving the squad on.

"There is a huge amount of pressure in the knockout games," he added.

"We know what it is like to be knocked out, and it made it all the more disappointing that we were eliminated in France last time. People will understand how motivated I am.

"As a squad we are very motivated. We know this could be the end for us, so it is an important moment. We have been given an opportunity, and we need to make the most of it."