European rugby's fallen kings, France may have lost six of their last eight Tests but defeat in front of French President Jacques Chirac today against the durable Canadians in their opening Pool C World Cup match would be nothing short of an embarrassment.

The French, who have been beset by injuries and internal bickering, are notoriously nervous starters and while the Canadians may be lacking in the class department they more than make up for it with their ability to slow up the game and are not afraid to mix it with the best in terms of physical play.

Both former and present French captains, Abdelatif Benazzi and Raphael Ibanez, are well aware of the Canadians' penchant for aggressive play.

"I remember losing to the Canadians in 1994 when yet again they confused playing rugby with streetfighting," said Benazzi, who is appearing in his third World Cup.

Out-half Thomas Castaignede, who was an integral part of the 1997 and 1998 Grand Slam winning sides, has the ability to open up the game provided he gets good protection from the hard hitting Canadians - either by running the ball himself or releasing his backs.

If the Canadians, who are looking to emulate their achievement in 1991 of making the quarter-finals, fail to close him down then France should win the match easily provided that is they maintain their discipline.

The French backrow, however, appears to be on the wane and Canada will be hoping to cause a major upset.