The Wallabies will play three Tests against France in 11 days in July as club commitments and COVID-19 quarantine combine to produce a condensed schedule.
The Wallabies and France will meet in three Tests in the space of just 11 days in July, with the teams playing two mid-week Tests.
The first Test is in Sydney on Wednesday, July 7 at the SCG followed by a Tuesday night Melbourne match at AAMI Park on July 13 and a final Test on Saturday, July 17 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
The condensed series is due to French club commitments and hotel quarantine for the visitors.
It’s the first time since 2012 that the Wallabies have played a midweek Test, with Australia losing that match to Scotland.
Both countries will name larger squads than normal for the series given it’s unlikely they can field the same starting side in successive Tests.
‘Les Bleus’ last toured to Australia in 2014, when the Wallabies claimed the series 3-0.
France are ranked fifth in the world, and were as high as third during their recent run in the Six Nations earlier this year, while Australia are ranked seventh.
However, given the Top 14 final is set for June 26, some of France’s best players won’t be available for early Tests because they will have to quarantine when they arrive in Australia.
With the matches falling within school holidays Rugby Australia hopes to attract families while chief executive Andy Marinos says they are aiming to capture workers on the way home.
“The return of midweek Test matches presents a unique opportunity for fans at home and at the venue, with each stadium in a central location for those attending after work,” Marinos said.
“France are one of the most exciting teams in World Rugby; they play with passion, flair and unpredictability and have proven time and time again they are one of the global forces of our game.”
Marinos said they had included RUPA – the players’ association – in discussions surrounding the condensed calendar and had their support.
“We have enjoyed constructive and engaged discussions with RUPA and the playing group on the international calendar, ensuring that player welfare and high-performance outcomes can be optimised,” he said.
“Rugby Australia, World Rugby and member unions will continue their ongoing dialogue in planning for each Test match event, in line with the advice of the relevant medical authorities.”
Malo
Guest
Let’s face it , it is a Mickey Mouse cash grab series with the French reserve team. Good luck getting full stadiums.
Micko
Roar Rookie
That was against NZ, and Perth is flooded with kiwis now, so that should be taken into account. No other match will sell out like that. Not even South Africa would, as even their expat community wouldn't be close to being as big as NZ's is now!
AndyS
Guest
Hmm, good point, should maybe go golden try??? :silly:
DannyBoy
Roar Rookie
@Just Nuisance, it Only overlaps with the non test games
DannyBoy
Roar Rookie
Wait lemme get something straight here. World rugby wouldn't allow us to play France on the 10th 17th and 24th because the international window ends on the 17th yet the Springboks and Lions are playing till 7th August?? French clubs want their players back yet will be without their Boks and Lions players till the conclusion of the lions tour Some are more equal than others I see
Bobby
Roar Rookie
We’ll do to the Vichy what Churchill did to them nearly 81 years ago !
Sluggy
Roar Guru
Because it is not the geographical centre of rugby support in Sydney. Those wider Sydney basin workers you refer to - have they been turning up to see the 'tahs at Bankwest?
Sluggy
Roar Guru
That really is a silly post. Rest asured, real rugby fans won’t miss your input. Adios.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Some aren't in the current 40 !
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Keggy um are you actually serious? That’s not even close to the best side Australia could choose. Some of those players won’t even make the 23 at all.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
France is going to ask big questions of Rennies team.. Intriguing match up..kinda overlaps the Lions tour to SA.. Rugby fans spoilt for choice.
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
*2,4,6
Ex force fan
Guest
I hope that Perth will get at least one test this year as the last test played in Perth sold out in only 72 hours. Our previous test was more than 630 days ago...the longest time between tests this century.
JC
Roar Rookie
Three-test series does ensure a winner ... unless your team somehow comes up with three draws ... oh wait! :laughing:
JC
Roar Rookie
Also, they’re hoping for more than the 30,000 that Bankwest can take. I think the SCG takes about 45,000. Hopefully a big crowd will make for a good atmosphere. It’s a tricky ground for rugby, even in comparison to Optus Stadium and the Cake Tin
M. Voinel
Guest
The Vichy cometh!
JC
Roar Rookie
With three Tests in such a narrow window, there is bound to be a high degree of player rotation, which will be exciting. Imagine Hooper starting Tests 1 and 3, with McReight in Test 2. Or Koroibete/Petaia sharing starts on the left wing and Ala’alatoa/Tupou tight head.
JC
Roar Rookie
The French series will be on FTA — Nine or Gem, as well as Stan. I’m sure they’ll go their bit with marketing as they have with SRAU, and Origin probably offers a great opportunity for cross-promotion. Really looking forward to this series and to gauging where the Wallabies are v the north. Here’s hoping all supporters get behind the Wallabies no matter who is/isn’t selected.
mjseesred
Roar Rookie
Well at least it means a lot of the discussion on this site will be answered. DR is going to have to be strategic in using players. Will give more of them a run and a chance for all the debate around some of the key questions answered. I think it's a good thing as will mean having to use the larger squad and help with buildinh depth going into the RC.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Fantastic news. SR has heated up attention. Attendance and viewer numbers been up (hopefully series available on FTA). And vitally the sponsors are happy. The hurdle is being between Origin 2 & 3. Steals headlines and packs stadiums. RA's marketing dept needs to be on full crank and fans/clubs need to pull their fingers out and show up. Win the series and hopefully get WB's back into top 5 ranking.