Pool D has been billed as a straight battle between France and Ireland, but Italy might just fancy their chances of upsetting the apple cart at Twickenham on Saturday night. Buoyed by a much-improved performance against Wales in Cardiff, and coming into their opening Rugby World Cup game with two wins in their last five meetings with Les Bleus, a win for Jacques Brunel's side is not completely out of the realm of possibility. Especially if France play like they did against Scotland last time out.

Team news

Philippe Saint-Andre has made two changes to the side that beat Scotland a fortnight ago with Yoann Maestri coming into the second row in place of Alexandre Flanquart and Alexandre Dumoulin replacing Wesley Fofana at inside-centre. Forwards Pascal Pape and captain Theirry Dusautoir are the only survivors from the 2011 World Cup final in the starting XV.

Italy will be without their injured talisman Sergio Parisse, who picked up a knock in the 23-19 defeat to Wales two weeks ago. However, Brunel has been able to pick the most experienced front row ever to grace a World Cup match, with Matias Aguero, Leonardo Ghiraldini and Martin Castrogiovanni boasting 227 Test caps between them.

Key head-to-head

If the Azzurri are to spring an upset then they must play with the same intensity as they displayed against Wales at the Millennium Stadium two weeks ago. Parisse was of course a key ingredient that day and the back-row battle will again be crucial. For all their problems France have a formidable pack and Samuela Vunisa, Alessandro Zanni and Francesco Minto will have their work cut out against Dusautoir, Damien Chouly and Louis Picamoles.

Key stats

* France and Italy have only met once previously at a neutral venue, with Les Bleus winning 34-22 in Beunos Aires in Oct. 1995.

* The Azzurri have beaten France three times in 36 attempts, although two of those victories have come in the last four years.

* France's biggest win against Italy came 48 years ago when they triumphed 60-13 in Toulon.

Odds

France begin the game as favourites, with Unibet offering them at 1/10 to win the match. Italy are 6/1 to begin their campaign with a win, while the Azzurri are 2,500/1 with the same firm to go all the way and lift the Webb Ellis Cup. France have slightly more meagre odds for ultimate glory, priced up at 16/1.

Weather

Twickenham is expected to be fairly pleasant on Saturday with light cloud and a high of 17 degrees. The temperature will have cooled slightly by 8p.m. and the sun will have disappeared but it is unlikely to rain, which should benefit France.

Prediction

France remain a frustrating proposition, scintillating one moment, dreadful the next but if they want to take advantage of a favourable draw then they must get off to a winning start on Saturday. In truth, everything points to a win for Saint-Andre's side and if Frederic Michalak can create space for an exciting back line then it surely awaits.