Michael Hooper is braced for a boots-and-all ruck stoush with inspirational French skipper Thierry Dusautoir in a fiery baptism as Wallabies captain.
Rival skippers and openside flankers, Hooper and Dusautoir have spent second Test eve praising the other ahead of a pivotal breakdown clash at Etihad Stadium.
The 22-year-old NSW Waratah is 11 years younger and 36 caps less experienced than the Les Bleus’ talisman but Dusautoir has credited Hooper as a major danger for his side.
Hooper said the Wallabies were expecting a far different French display to the first Test pounding, with their world-class captain – one of 10 changes to the starting 15 – leading the way.
“They’re one of the team who can have a shake up like that and still turn around and be a better team the next weekend,” he said.
“We’re aware of the challenge they bring and Dusautoir is obviously the leader of that pack and will be at the forefront and I’m sure bring a lot of passion.”
Hooper said France’s one-point 2011 World Cup final loss to the All Blacks showed what sort of influence Dusautoir has on his team.
“He’s obviously a class player,” Hooper said.
“As a No.7, you want to play these guys and play the best in the world.
“He’s been at the helm for France for a few years now and is a really tough competitor.
“We’ve been preparing for that this week.”
Dusautoir, who missed last week’s 50-23 loss in Brisbane to nurse his biceps problem, is also hungry for a breakthrough victory over Australia.
The French have not won down under in 24 years, and the back-rower is yet to taste victory against the Wallabies in three starts.
“I really suffered with my guys last week,” he said.
“We have to improve on many points.
“To defeat the Wallabies we have to be perfect (in many areas).”
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