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Tri-Nations positions are up for grabs but Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has underlined the dangers of Australia taking their eyes off the ball against a fired-up France tonight.
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Deans today warned against a French backlash at Suncorp Stadium with Les Bleus smarting from their 34-13 thumping in Sydney six days ago.
Coach Marc Lievremont has made sweeping changes to his depleted side and his players have vowed to up their intensity for what is their last match of an extended season.
Deans is under no illusions the Wallabies will encounter a far more difficult French side in their final warm-up for the Tri-Nations series.
“It will be very different,” he said today.
“The French have mixed up their combination for a start and, as they have already indicated themselves, they have a sense of annoyance at their first experience.
“And you only have to look at history to see how French teams respond under that circumstance.
“They will come out and be really physical and aggressive and challenge us (up front) first before anywhere else and then look to play.
“We’ve got motivations of our own – it will be a battle of wills before a battle of wits.”
The focus for the Wallabies will be to show composure and patience, and to go forward before shifting wide after an unimpressive first half at ANZ Stadium.
Skipper Stirling Mortlock said new-look combinations were starting to click in training and the players were also determined to show that progress on the field following two patchy displays.
Playmaker Matt Giteau, who endured arguably his worst 30 minutes of Test rugby last week, has vowed to be more patient with the ball.
Australia looked far more formidable with a composed, direct game after half-time which netted two quick tries and displayed the style that could trouble South Africa and New Zealand.
“It’s important to build momentum and improve each week,” Giteau said.
“From that point of view it’s important we play some food rugby this week to take into the Tri-Nations.”
Deans has given fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper and flanker Phil Waugh opportunities to show their wares after sitting on the bench against Ireland and France.
Lock Dean Mumm, No.8 Stephen Hoiles and uncapped winger Lachie Turner also have chances through injuries but need to produce something special to earn starting berths for Australia’s Tri-Nations opener against South Africa on July 19.
“We just don’t know what’s around the corner but obviously everyone on the ground will be out to make the most of that experience itself and part of that motivation is to get an extra opportunity down the track, and that’s all you can do,” Deans said.
“The future will take care of itself.”
Deans’ message about the French resistance has certainly gotten through to Mumm who will bear the extra responsibility of calling the lineout in his starting debut.
“They will try and throw everything they can at us no matter where they are on the field,” he said.
Les Bleus have suffered a late blow with reserve lock David Couzinet being ruled out due to a calf strain in training.
Lievremont originally chose five forwards on his bench but has reverted to a traditional 4-3 split by replacing Couzinet with Benjamin Boyet who started at five-eighth in Sydney.
Wallabies: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Berrick Barnes, Lachlan Turner, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Stephen Hoiles, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Dean Mumm, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Adam Freier, Ben Alexander, Hugh McMeniman, George Smith, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Cameron Shepherd.
France: Benjamin Thiery, Alexis Palisson, Maxim Mermoz, Thibault Lacroix, David Janin, Francois Trinh-Duc, Sebastian Tillous-Borde, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Imanol Harinordoquy, Matthieu Lievremont, Lionel Nallet, Sebastien Chabal, Renaud Boyoud, Sebastien Bruno, Pierre Correia. Res: Benjamin Kayser, Benoit Lecouls, Louis Picamoles, Yannick Caballero, Dimitri Yachvili, Benjamin Boyet, Jean-Baptiste Peyras.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.