Hook: Rated highly by France coach

Hook has been called up for the Eden Park clash after Rhys Priestland was ruled out by a shoulder injury suffered during the quarter-final victory over Ireland in Wellington last weekend.

And Lievremont has no doubt that Hook, who will play for French club Perpignan after the World Cup, could make life difficult for his side.

"It's not great news for us," Lievremont said.

"Priestland is a good player, but James Hook is an experienced player and Wales will undoubtedly be stronger with him.

"He is more of an all-round player, more experienced, and experience at this level is very important when you see the youth in the Wales team."

France's World Cup campaign only kicked into life with a quarter-final win against England six days ago.

They had already lost to New Zealand and Tonga in the pool stage, but Les Bleus lifted themselves when it mattered to reach a fifth successive World Cup semi-final.

"We are running on adrenalin, and I've had to tell myself that I can sleep in 10 days' time," Lievremont added.

"We're happy to have got here. It's like the World Cup has been kick-started for us. Hopefully, we will continue in the same vein and attain our objectives.

"Of the four semi-finalists, France has lost two games and we will need to be better in defence.

"For a team to get results, you need confidence. We are coming off a good match against England, we've had a good week's training and we seem to all be singing from the same hymn sheet."

France have beaten Wales nine times from the countries' last 11 meetings, their latest win being a resounding 28-9 Six Nations success in Paris less than seven months ago when a charged-down Hook kick led to one of Les Bleus' tries.

And Lievremont will demand his players leave nothing in the tank as they bid to book a World Cup final appointment with New Zealand or Australia on Sunday week.

"We need a hint of anger that will work as our impetus," he said.

"The England match wasn't enough. We need anger at ourselves so that we don't miss this opportunity to win a World Cup semi-final."

And France captain Thierry Dusautoir added: "For the past few years, Wales have been putting forward an enthusiastic side.

"We've seen a very strong Wales side here at this tournament. It has always been Wales and South Africa I've been on the look-out for at this World Cup.

"In general, semi-finals are very difficult, because even if we win, a more important stage remains for us.

"It's a huge chance and we must seize it with both hands. After this match, there is only one game left."