Clement Poitrenaud
	Age: 21 Position: Fullback Club: Stade Toulousain Debut: 2001 v South Africa Caps: 11 Caps: 15
Poitrenaud, an attacking full-back, has already been compared to the legendary Serge Blanco and 2003 has seen him tested in a big tournament for the first time in the RBS 6 Nations. No-one disputes his huge talent but his youth and inexperience made him look vulnerable in defence during the summer tour of Argentina. Nevertheless, much will be expected this autumn.

Imanol Harinordoquy
Age: 23 Position: Back row Club: Pau Debut: 2002 v Wales Caps: 19 Points: 10
The 23-year-old Bayonne-born flanker is a Basque and is rated by many observers as among the best back-row forwards in the world. Aggressive, and a spiky character, he now plays for Pau in France`s rugby-playing heartland in the Pyrenees. Will be one of the players who must be at the top of his game if France are to do well at the tournament.

Olivier Magne
	Age: 30 Position: Back row Club: Montferrand Debut: 1997 v Wales Caps: 66 Points: 55
Magne’s rampaging style makes him the perfect back row forward and he can perform at flanker or at nubmer eight. Born in Aurillac in France`s rugby heartland in 1973, he is a formidable tackler and has been a regular with Les Bleus since winning his first cap against Wales back in 1997.

Christophe Dominici
Age: 31 Position: Wing Club: Stade Francais Debut: 1998 v England Caps: 30 Points: 60
This will be almost certainly the last World Cup for 32-year-old Dominici whose inclusion was a surprise to some observers. Has a devastating turn of pace and, although originally from Toulon, now plies his trade for Stade Francais in Paris. His career has been overshadowed at times with personal problems.