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A strong win against England has the faithful singing the praises of their re-born Wallaby team. But are they the real deal?
On the surface, we view two teams who are in a fairly similar state of flux. Both teams suffered poor exits from the 2007 World Cup, although Les Bleus’ defeat of the All Blacks was arguably the performance of the tournament.
Both teams have new coaches.
Robbie Deans had unprecedented triumphs with the Crusaders, as well as being a former All Black assistant coach. His appointment was widely seen as a coup.
Marc Lievremont, like Deans has played at the highest level for his country, being a strong domestic player and winning French domestic titles with Stade Francais (1998, 2000) and Biarritz Olympique (2002). He coached the French junior national team before guiding Dax to Top 14 promotion in 2007.
Taking over from Bernard Laporte, his appointment was greeted with a mixed reception in the corridors of French rugby power.
Only a 1-3 ledger to the All Blacks taints Dean’s 2008 record, although the 34-19 victory over the All Blacks in Sydney was the third heaviest defeat suffered by New Zealand in 44 years.
There was a 53-8 aberration in the last game of the Tri Nations to South Africa, but this does not hide eight wins, including the scalps of France twice, South Africa twice, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy and England.
He has introduced trademark Canterbury style pragmatism to the Wallabies, with improvements in the on field kicking and breakdown efficiency the most obvious traits, as well as unearthing strong talent in the form of Peter Hynes, Luke Burgess, Dean Mumm and Ryan Cross, among others.
The Australian scrum has looked stronger before their revelation against England. Above all, Deans has not favoured rotation and kept a largely consistent starting fifteen.
However, they have had their flaws, namely in not being able to maintain themselves as an 80 minute rugby team, a critical blemish in their development. They have also struggled to shake off one of the great modern deficiencies of the Wallabies – to appear equal to the best teams in the world, but then struggle to overcome a second-tier nation.
After taking over from Bernard Laporte, Lievremont made his intentions clear that he wished Les Bleus to move away from the expediency of his predecessor and envisaged a return to the French flair and champagne rugby that had made France a world power.
The Six Nations began with France unleashing a terrifying attack-at-all-costs style that saw them blow away the Scottish and defeat the Irish.
However, it came undone as the ultimate pragmatist England showed that no matter how well a team can attack, it cannot be done without the ball or consistent territory. This again came undone against the Welsh, as Warren Gatland’s well drilled team took the game away from the French who looked to attack from anywhere.
A under strength French team was duly thrashed by the Wallabies, although it is hard to read too much into this as approximately 15 of the first choice French players did not tour.
This was another concern for the French faithful: Lievremont was changing his team constantly, with over half of the positions in the Les Bleus starting line up this year having seen at least four different players.
This will be a pivotal game for both teams.
Australia shows clear progress in their style, and Deans is comfortable with whom his key men are. The development of their forwards has continued from the John Connelly reign.
The Wallabies completely outplayed England at the breakdown, and have matched the All Blacks at the all important tackle area. Their lineout is sound, although it has not dominated as much as it is recognised.
But the great Achilles heel of their scrum appears to be making giant strides.
However, questions now abound about their usual great strength, the backs. The Wallabies appear a far different proposition without a true second five eighth such as Berrick Barnes, and despite convincingly beating England, they were troubled by the runners of the Red Rose’s backline.
Only the defensive coordination of Australia is holding this aspect together, marshalled by captain Stirling Mortlock.
However, the now inside centre is no playmaker, something that is harming the Wallabies.
France does look the goods, but suffer from the time honoured tradition of which Les Bleus turns up to play. Lievremont must look at his style and that of predecessor Laporte, and where they can complement each other.
The Laporte Les Bleus played with more structure and were defensively orientated, but were missing the crucial element which has been so successful for French teams, the flair and the menace.
If Lievremont can mould his all offensive style with the organisation drilled into the previous French team, than the hybrid of Les Bleus unleashed on the Wallabies could be terrifying.
But the litmus test will come from the French pack, with the one consistent over the season being the unyielding Les Bleus scrum. The prowess of their pack was evident against the scrum nous of the Puma’s, and against the Pacific Islanders they pushed their far heavier opposition around at will.
Recalled Biarritz number eight Imanol Harnordoquy is in the form of his life, and Toulouse flank Thierry Dusautoir is probably the best blindside flanker in the world.
I think France in Paris will be a bridge to far for the convalescing Wallabies, who will narrowly go down by two points.
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.