Semi-final is 50-50, says Magne

French flanker Olivier Magne warned England that past form and world rankings will count for nothing when the two sides collide in Sunday’s World Cup semi-final.

England entered the tournament on top of the world after backing up their Six Nations Grand Slam triumph with historic wins over Australia and New Zealand in June.

At the same time, France were on a disastrous tour, losing to the All Blacks and twice to Argentina as Bernard Laporte began his countdown preparations.

Though the French have been busy labelling England as the favourites, recent form would suggest otherwise and Laporte’s timing appears to be spot on.

“England are the favourites. It’s normal. The win in Australia, the win in New Zealand – they have beaten all the best teams over the last three or four years,” he said.

“But this is one game, a World Cup semi-final. It is 50-50.”

Magne was a member of the French team that stunned New Zealand at Twickenham four years ago, defying all the odds to reach the World Cup final.

But he believes there is a significant difference between that side, who were a busted flush come the final against Australia, and this squad.

The summer tour, when certain players were rested, was all part of the long-term plan to peak on November 22.

“We have forgotten 1999. It is the past,” he said.

“This team is now prepared to go to the final and win the World Cup. In 1999 it was different. The team was not prepared to beat New Zealand and go to the final.”

Magne forms part of France’s devastating back row that helped strangle the life out of Ireland in the 43-21 quarter-final victory.

On Sunday, though, Magne and his loose-forward colleagues Imanol Harinordoquy and Serge Betsen face a considerably tougher challenge.

England’s blindside flanker Richard Hill today returned to the side for the first time since injuring a calf in the opening game against Georgia, as Clive Woodward named his strongest line-up.

“It is great for England to have players like Dallaglio, Neil Back and Hill - they are good players for England,” said Magne, before playing down the suggestion the game will come down to a battle of the back rows.

“There is no best player or best combination, only the best team. We are a team.

“The most important element is to play as a team. If we want to play England we must play as a team with all 15 players, that is all and that is the most important thing.

“We have a target to win the World Cup and we hope to realise this objective.”