Gearing up for Round 2 of AUS vs FRA
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After scraping through with a victory last week, Australia will tackle France on Tuesday in the second of the three-test series.
The celebrations of the Wallabies at the final whistle last week were substantial after Dave Rennie’s charges snatched victory from the gaping jaws of defeat in the 83rd minute.
Although it is a second-string French team, Les Bleus have shown that they are not to be trifled with and the Wallabies can expect to find themselves up against it once again.
"We’ve worked hard and we’re well conditioned. A lack of accuracy in Brisbane denied us the opportunity to make the most of that, but we showed plenty of character to stay in the fight until the final whistle.
“We need to start fast, be more clinical and turn pressure into points at AAMI Park on Tuesday night.”
Satisfied with his team’s efforts last week, Fabien Galthie’s first aim of the tour seems to be to unearth young talent.
“The choice of team was first dictated by performance. We tried to build again a strong team, able to match with the Australians, while sparing a group of 41 players,” he said.
"Let's not forget that our starting vision for this Tour was to discover talent. The goal is always the same.
"There was great satisfaction in the first game. Now is the opportunity to discover other potentials in the battle."
TEAMS:
AUSTRALIA XV: Tom Banks; Tom Wright, Hunter Paisami, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete; Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (captain), Rob Valetini; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Phillip; Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Isi Naisarani, Tate McDermott, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway.
FRANCE XV: Melvyn Jaminet; Damian Penaud, Arthur Vincent, Jonathan Danty, Gabin Villiere; Louis Carbonel, Baptiste Couilloud; Anthony Jelonch (captain), Cameron Woki, Ibrahim Diallo, Cyril Cazeaux, Pierre-Henri Azagoh, Wilfrid Hounkpatin, Gaetan Barlot, Jean-Baptiste Gros.
Replacements: Anthony Etrillard, Enzo Forletta, Demba Bamba, Killian Geraci, Romain Taofifenua, Sekou Macalou, Teddy Iribaren, Anthony Bouthier.