GB are in confident mood for the final
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Britain's men's coxless four are on course to scoop gold after winning their semi-final with ease at the World Championships in Japan.
The quartet of Steve Williams, Alex Partridge, Peter Reed and Andy Hodge saw off the challenge from the Canadian, Danish and Italian boats.
"At the finish we had to pick up our pace a little," said Olympic gold medallist Williams.
"But we didn't need to go into a full dress rehearsal for Saturday's final."
The British quartet had the race sewn up at the 750m mark, then eased off the pace dramatically, allowing the Canada team to finish just a half length behind. Williams said he was confident of his team's gold medal chances but was wary of the threat from his opponents.
"We have had 10 races in 10 weeks and we're feeling good. I've been pleased with our build-up to these championships," he added.
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That was my hardest race this season
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"There will be a lot of competition from the Dutch and the Canadians, who are also very good. Then there are the Americans, who are made up of gold medallists from the eight, so the final will be very tough.
"After Athens all I want is the gold medal again. Winning the Olympics is the biggest competition to win in rowing but it's important not to lose the passion and the drive."
Meanwhile, Britons Zac Purchase and Jo Hammond both scraped through to Saturday's lightweight single scull finals.
But they will have to race from the outside lanes after finishing third in their respective semi-finals.
"That was my hardest race this season. I had to go right from the word go," said a relieved Purchase.
Team-mate Annie Vernon failed to reach the final of the open single sculls after finishing fourth in her semi.
Vernon, making her debut at the World Championships, came in behind the Czech Republic's Mirka Knapkova, America's Michelle Guerette and France's Sophie Balmary.
Colin Smith missed out on a place in the final of the open weight sculls but could still achieve his goal of finishing in the top 10 in Gifu.
The Briton needs to beat two other rowers in Saturday's B final to go home happy.
Grandstand has coverage from the 2005 World Rowing Championships on Saturday (BBC One, 1425) and Sunday (BBC Two, 1400)
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MMIX
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