Australia v France – Preview, Prediction, News, Lineups

Australia v France

• Date: Wednesday 7th July
• Time: 11:00

This match was due to take place in Sydney but an outbreak there has shifted the fixture over to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium where the third of three tests will also be held. The Wallabies will be welcomed by an unrestricted crowd, though, and that will make for a hugely enjoyable atmosphere on Wednesday night as France start their tour in a cauldron. France head coach Fabien Galthie is missing a fair chunk of his first-choice side and has opted for as much experience as possible in this tough first test since that devastating defeat by Scotland on the last day of the Six Nations.

There has been a lot of talk about an understrength French team leading into the Wallabies’ opening Test of the year in Brisbane on Wednesday. But the harsh reality is that Les Bleus boast more depth than Australia at the moment and even after quarantine will still put a more than competitive team on the paddock. Combining necessity with World Cup planning, France coach Fabien Galthie opted for youth as he filled out his 42-man squad for a three-Test summer series in Australia. Galthie had to wait until after the Top 14 play-off semi-finals to complete his selection and it is really hard to predict how they will compete at this level with such a mixed squad.

You can back the Wallabies to win in Brisbane at 3/10 with Paddy Power. The French are priced at 3/1 with Bet365, whereas a draw with Betfred online is rated at 33/1.

Team News 

Australia

1. James Slipper (100 Tests)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (8 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (43 Tests)
4. Matt Philip (9 Tests)
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (25 Tests)
6. Rob Valetini (4 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (105 Tests)
8. Harry Wilson (6 Tests)
9. Jake Gordon (5 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (2 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (32 Tests)
12. Matt To’omua (54 Tests)
13. Hunter Paisami (6 Tests)
14. Tom Wright (3 Tests)
15. Tom Banks (11 Tests)

Replacements

16. Lachlan Lonergan*
17. Angus Bell (3 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (25 Tests)
19. Darcy Swain*
20. Isi Naisarani (8 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (2 Tests)
22. Len Ikitau*
23. Andrew Kellaway*

*denotes uncapped

France

1. Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon)
2. Gaetan Barlot (Castres)
3. Demba Bamba (Lyon)
4. Killian Geraci (Lyon)
5. Romain Taofifenua (Toulon)
6. Dylan Cretin (Lyon)
7. Anthony Jelonch (Castres) (c) 
8. Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais)
9. Baptiste Couilloud (Lyon)
10. Louis Carbonel (Toulon)
11. Gabin Villiere (Toulon)
12. Jonathan Danty (Stade Francais)
13. Arthur Vincent (Montpellier)
14. Damian Penaud (Clermont)
15. Melvyn Jaminet (Perpigna)

Replacements

16. Anthony Etrillard (Toulon)
17. Quentin Walcker (Perpignan))
18. Sipili Falatea (Clermont)
19. Darcy Swain*
20. Florent Vanverberghe (Castres)
21. Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Begles)
22. Teddy Iribaren (Racing)
23. Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier)

Previous Meets and Results 

France has not beaten Australia away from home since 1990 and just six times since with the Wallabies winning the other 18. The last two matches between them, a win apiece, were settled by a margin of three and two points. 

In terms of form, the Wallabies have only won once in five matches, having drawn twice and lost twice whilst gaining a solitary victory over the All Blacks. France, despite a strong Six Nations showing, have lost ⅔ games and will hope to rediscover some magic and flair ahead of this tour. Both sides last five matches are highlighted below; 

Wallabies

• Australia 16 D 16 Argentina
• Argentina 15 D 15 Australia
• Australia 24 W 22 New Zealand
• Australia 5 L 43 New Zealand
• England 40 L 16 Australia

France 

• France 23 L 27 Scotland
• France 32 W 30 Wales
• England 23 L 20 France
• Ireland 13 W 15 France
• Italy 10 W 50 France

Australia v France Prediction 

This young French side is good enough to cause an upset at some point across this tour but it looks unlikely to come in the first test. With that in mind, take Australia by 11-15 points at 5/1 in what we anticipate will be a nervous first outing for the tourists. Take a look at the sides being level at half-time as they both settle back into test rugby at 16/1.