France are desperate to make amends after they were defeated in all three test matches against Australia in the June test series this year.
Where: Stade de France, Paris
When: November 16, 7am (AEDT)
Form
France: WLLLL
Wallabies: WWLLL
History
The Wallabies have won four out of the last five test matches against France however, France have a winning percentage of 59% against the Wallabies when they play at home. The last time France defeated Australia was on the 2012 Spring tour where they smashed the Wallabies 33-6.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANaUQcOwkOE
The Scrum
There is no doubt the Wallabies scrum will be under pressure this weekend after the Wallabies conceded a penalty try in their match against Wales last weekend. The Wallabies also conceded a penalty try last time they played Les Bleus in France back in 2012.
The Wallabies have worked hard to change their reputation in the scrum over the last 12 months under scrum coach Andrew Blades yet they were continuously penalised against Wales last weekend by South African referee Craig Joubert.
Key Match-ups
Scott Spedding v Israel Folau
South African born fullback Scott Spedding has caused controversy recently in France as some former players and fans have expressed their disapproval over foreigners player for France despite the fact that Spedding is a French citizen. He started last weekend’s match against Fiji but will have added pressure against the Wallabies this weekend. He will have the job of shutting down his opposite number, Israel Folau, who scored two tries against Wales last weekend.
Sean McMahon v Thierry Dusautoir
20 year old Sean McMahon will go up against veteran French backrower Thierry Dusautoir in just his second test. After a strong game against the Barbarians and a solid game against Wales, McMahon will now need a big game again against the French when he faces the 2011 IRB player of the year.
The Teams
Wallabies:
The Wallabies have made one change as former Wallaby skipper James Horwill comes in for Sam Carter.
1. James Slipper
2. Saia Fainga’a
3. Sekope Kepu
4. James Horwill
5. Rob Simmons
6. Sean McMahon
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Ben McCalman
9. Nick Phipps
10. Bernard Foley
11. Joe Tomane
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau
Reserves:
16. James Hanson
17. Benn Robinson
18. Ben Alexander
19. Will Skelton
20. Matt Hodgson
21. Will Genia
22. Quade Cooper
23. Rob Horne
France
France have named an unchanged lineup to the one that defeated Fiji last weekend.
1. Alexandre Menini
2. Guilhem Guirado
3. Nicolas Mas
4. Pascal Pape
5. Yoann Maestri
6. Thierry Dusautoir (captain)
7. Bernard Le Roux
8. Damien Chouly
9. Sebastien Tillous-Borde
10. Camille Lopez
11. Teddy Thomas
12. Wesley Fofana
13. Alexandre Dumoulin
14. Yoann Huget
15. Scott Spedding
Reserves:
8 reserves are to be chosen from the following 12 players:
Benjamin Kayser, Uini Atonio, Xavier Chiocci, Alexandre Flanquart, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Yannick Nyanga, Charles Ollivon, Rory Kockott, Remi Tales, Mathieu Bastareaud, Maxime Mermoz, Maxime Medard
Prediction
A fired-up French outfit will want to impress their home ground and restore some pride.
France by 8.
