England 15 France 21

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins has dropped Brent Cockbain from his World Cup plans - and given a surprise call-up to uncapped Gloucester lock Will James.

BRIAN ASHTON admits he is “a fair distance away” from formulating the World Cup squad that will attempt to create rugby history in seven months.

A few months ago, Leon MacDonald hardly dared imagine he would be in New Zealand’s World Cup squad, never mind heading into their biggest game of the tournament so far holding down a position he has not played since junior rugby.