14 Oct 2011

France get boost with Yachvili declaring himself fit for semi-final

7:14 am on 14 October 2011

France have received a timely boost ahead of their Rugby World Cup semi final against Wales on Saturday with halfback Dimitri Yachvili declaring himself fit to play.

Yachvili played a key role in the quarter-final win over England last Saturday but hasn't trained since after suffering a knock to his thigh.

However he says he's confident he will be right by the weekend.

Such is Yachvili's influence, the news is a blow to Wales who hope to reach their first World Cup final.

Wales defensive coach Shaun Edwards says Yachvili is a player who understands the game and the French forwards enjoy having him at halfback as he almost guides them around the field.