September 01, 2003 - As part of the two teams' build up to the European Championship world No 2 Russia beat France in a friendly match in Sète on Saturday night 3-1 (27-25 21-25 16-25 23-25).

The French lineup consisting of Cohen, Henno, Daquin, Antiga, Capet, Granvorka, Montmeat, De Kergret, Marquet, Patin, Kieffer, Frangolaccio found themselves up against a very physical Russian side, who will be aiming to address their disappointing seventh place finish at the World League with a strong performance at the European Championship, which starts in Germany on September 5.

Monday night sees the two teams face off again in another friendly match in Cannet.