In a bumper weekend of World Cup warm-up matches, France will look to complete their preparation for the main event when they take on Australia at Stade de France on Sunday evening.
The hosts come into this match following a solid 34-17 win over Fiji last weekend, while the visitors last played at the start of the month against neighbours New Zealand and were beaten 23-20.
Match preview
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Les Bleues finished second in this year's Six Nations tournament, winning four and losing one match to Ireland, though that was enough to see them lose the title to the world number one side.
However, while they only suffered one loss in the competition, it is fair to say that the French were some way from their best form as they were pushed very close by wooden spoon recipients Italy in the opening match and never really looked like they could get the better of the Irish.
Fabien Galthie's side held the number two ranking in the world for the majority of 2022, but after relinquishing the Six Nations title and losing to Scotland at the start of the month, they have been overtaken by New Zealand and the Springboks.
With their blockbuster opening fixture against the All Blacks now within touching distance, France have the added pressure of carrying the title of tournament favourites on their shoulders and will be looking for a solid performance to get their fans and players amped leading up to the grand showdown.
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Meanwhile, Eddie Jones's second stint in charge of Australia has been challenging, to say the least, and the Wallabies head coach could be heading to the World Cup with a record of five losses in his first five matches back in charge.
Australian rugby has gone through a very difficult period over the last few years, and with just one win recorded in their last eight matches, they have slipped to eighth place in the world rankings.
At this year's Rugby Championship, the Wallabies were beaten comprehensively by the Springboks and All Blacks, but the alarm bells really began sounding for Jones when his side were beaten 34-31 by Argentina in Sydney.
While they did not lose by a big margin against New Zealand at the start of the month, the All Blacks fielded their second-string side and still came away with the win, which certainly does not bode well for their chances in this one.
France form (all competitions):
- W
- W
- W
- L
- W
- W
Australia form (all competitions):
- L
- W
- L
- L
- L
- L
Team News
Romain Ntamack has been ruled out of the World Cup with an injury, but Matthieu Jalibert will start in his absence here and will try to nail down the number 10 jersey for the main tournament.
Antoine Dupont will captain Les Bleues, while Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou will partner up to add pace in the midfield.
For Australia, Marika Koroibete has been rested for this match, and Jones has opted to hand Suliasi Vunivalu another opportunity despite his poor showing in the Rugby Championship.
Will Skelton returns to captain the side while Samu Kerevi is still recovering from hand surgery, which means that Lalakai Foketi will start in the Wallabies midfield.
France starting lineup: 15. Thomas Ramos, 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Gael Fickou, 12. Jonathan Danty, 11. Gabin Villiere, 10. Matthieu Jalibert, 9. Antoine Dupont (c), 8. Gregory Alldritt, 7. Charles Ollivon, 6. Francois Cros, 5. Paul Willemse, 4. Thibaud Flament, 3. Uini Atonio, 2. Julien Marchand, 1. Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: 16. Peato Mauvaka, 17. Sebastien Taofifenua, 18. Dorian Aldegheri, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Cameron Woki, 21. Paul Boudehent, 22. Baptiste Couilloud, 23. Melvyn Jaminet
Australia starting lineup: 15. Andrew Kellaway, 14. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13. Jordan Petaia, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 11. Suliasi Vunivalu, 10. Carter Gordon, 9. Tate McDermott, 8. Rob Valetini, 7. Fraser McReight, 6. Tom Hooper, 5. Will Skelton (c), 4. Richie Arnold, 3. Taniela Tupou, 2. David Porecki, 1. Angus Bell
Replacements: 16. Matt Faessler, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Matt Philip, 20. Rob Leota, 21. Langi Gleeson, 22. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23. Ben Donaldson
Head To Head
While France are the overwhelming favourites to win this match, Australia have been by far the more dominant side in this contest over the years. In 60 matches between these sides, the Wallabies have won 44, France have won 14 and two matches have ended in a draw.
We say: France 32-28 Australia
No Data Analysis info
Devesh Jaganath
