 Laporte believes France can beat England |
The World Cup semi-final between France and England will be "50-50", according to French coach Bernard Laporte. France cruised past Ireland in their quarter-final while England struggled past a revitalised Wales.
"You like or you don't like the English. Most of the people hate them," said Laporte.
"Personally I don't have much love but one has to accept that they often are the best in sport or in business so one has to respect them," he added half-jokingly.
"The best way to show respect for the English is to be just as proud and confident as they can sometimes be."
Laporte may respect England but he also believes that his team can beat them when they meet in Sydney on Sunday.
"England came to Australia as the world number one and I still think they are, but I hope that after Sunday's semi-final they will be downgraded to number two.
"We are here to win the World Cup and I think we can win it."
MMIX
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