1.  France and Scotland will field their strongest teams Saturday in their pool D showdown to determine group supremacy and who has to take on dreaded New Zealand.

2.  New Zealand looks assured of beating lowly Japan on Sunday to set up a final eight match against the loser of the pool D showdown between France and Scotland.

3.  That scenario confronts France and Scotland in their Rugby World Cup pool D showdown Saturday that is arguably the most compelling match of the opening round.

4.  The Scots also will field the same side that lost the pool D showdown to France on a try in injury time last Saturday.

5.  With two victories in two matches, France came a step closer to a pool D showdown Saturday against Scotland, expected to defeat Tonga later Tuesday night.

6.  With two victories in two matches, France set up a pool D showdown Saturday against unbeaten Scotland, which defeated Tonga later Tuesday night.