PARIS—France became World Cup favourites with a stunning 20-18 victory over New Zealand and England clung to their title by upsetting Australia 12-10 in two remarkable quarter-finals on Saturday.
The French, who had to face the All Blacks in Cardiff after their shock defeat by Argentina in the tournament's opening match a month ago, will meet England at the Stade de France in the first semi-final next Saturday.
The other semi-final will be between the winners of Sunday's matches pitting South Africa against Fiji in Marseille (1300 GMT) and Argentina against Scotland in Paris (1900 GMT).
France staged a magnificent second-half comeback in a repeat of the famous 1999 semi-final at Twickenham, scoring two second-half tries and preventing the All Blacks from reaching the last four for the first time.
The French trailed 13-3 at halftime after Luke McAlister's try and New Zealand seemed in control but the French drew level while centre McAlister was in the sin-bin.
New Zealand went ahead again with a Rodney So'oialo try but the failed conversion by McAlister, with flyhalf Dan Carter off injured, was what separated the sides in the end.
Centre Yannick Jauzion ended a fine break by replacement flyhalf Frederic Michalak and scrumhalf Jean-Baptiste Elissalde converted to secure the 20-18 win.
"Congratulations to the players, who faced heavy criticism after their defeat by Argentina. This was their reply. We are not world champions yet but we want to be," said France coach Bernard Laporte."
"The best side won," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "They played with a huge amount of passion and fire."
Awesome pack
England, unrecognisable from the team thrashed 36-0 by South Africa three weeks ago, finally produced a performance worthy of their world champion status.
Their pack earned the victory with an awesome scrummaging display while Jonny Wilkinson, Australia's destroyer in the final four years ago, delivered all the points.
Australia went into the game as huge odds-on favourites but, apart from a first-half Lote Tuqiri try, always struggled to get into the game as they were starved of possession.
"I honestly thought we were the better side but it made for a nervous last 10 minutes," said England coach Brian Ashton after watching Stirling Mortlock miss a kick at goal that would have won the match for Australia.
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