INTERNATIONAL: Australia v France:THE WALLABIES are bracing themselves to face the backlash of a France team they provoked into action when the teams meet in a one-off Test in Sydney today.
The Australian Rugby Union warned the French not to bother coming to Australia if they planned to send a second-string team Down Under, as they did on their last tour two years ago.
The warning clearly worked when the French selectors picked a powerful squad this time, but the Australians may regret stirring the Europeans if they lose the match at the Olympic stadium.
France have not beaten the Wallabies in Australia since 1990 but showed their intent this time with an impressive performance in their two Tests in New Zealand, winning the first in Dunedin then narrowly losing the second in Wellington to win the series on a countback.
“The French are coming off a series where they have created a bit of history, by picking up some silverware in New Zealand,” said Australia coach Robbie Deans.
“They’ll be buoyed by that, which will make them incredibly dangerous as the French have always been a very spiritual team.
“You can guarantee they will throw everything at this game as it’s their last one before a break. The players will be looking to make sure there’s nothing left in the gas tank once they’ve finished on Saturday night.”
Australia are unbeaten in three matches this year, a friendly against the Barbarians, then two Tests against Italy, but have not yet been fully extended.
Deans picked an experimental team for last week’s second Test against Italy in Melbourne but has chosen a full-strength side this week with nine first-choice players recalled. Deans has included a new frontrow in props Al Baxter and Benn Robinson and hooker Stephen Moore in anticipation of Australia’s hardest match so far this season.
“You only have to look as far back as the last two weeks, and what the French achieved in New Zealand, to see what a massive threat they will be,” added Deans.
France made seven changes to the starting side that was beaten by New Zealand last weekend as well as reshuffling the backline.
France coach Marc Lievremont said he wanted to use as many fresh players as possible against Australia, who he regarded as tougher opponents than the All Blacks.
Outhalf Lionel Beauxis replaces Francois Trinh-Duc and scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvili comes in for Julien Dupuy.
“For two years we’ve been looking for a number nine and a number 10,” said Lievremont. “It’s been very difficult to find one so that’s why we used several number 10s and number nines. Nothing has been decided yet. Even after this tour we are not sure we have found our two players.”
“We have to compete with Australia. They are strong and composed, know how to be patient and have an ability to know what options to take and how to play.”
AUSTRALIA: A Ashley-Cooper; L Turner, S Mortlock (capt), B Barnes, D Mitchell; M Giteau, Luke Burgess; B Robinson, S Moore, A Baxter, J Horwill, N Sharpe, D Mumm, G Smith, R Brown. Replacements: T Polota-Nau, B Alexander, P Waugh, D Pocock, J Valentine, R Cross, J OConnor.
FRANCE:D Traille; M Medard, F Fritz, M Mermoz, C Heymans; Lionel Beauxis, D Yachvili; F Barcella, D Szarzewski, S Marconnet, P Pape, R Millo-Chluski, T Dusautoir (capt), F Ouedraogo, J Puricelli. Replacements: G Guirado, N Mas, R Martin, D Chouly, J Dupuy, V Clerc, J Arias.
Referee: Dave Pearson (England)
