Here are the teams for Australia vs France this Saturday at Stade de France.Robinson gets a rest with Alexander at loose head and Kepu on the bench. Palu’s back at 8 after his rampage at Twickers and Brown’s injury. Chisholm hits the bench, MMM replaces him and Mumm steps into blindside. A good pack but a risk at loose head?
For France Ellisalde is out following his coathanger from the PI’s last week and Captain Caveman Chabal comes in at Lock.
Wallabies
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Peter Hynes
13. Ryan Cross
12. Stirling Mortlock (C)
11. Drew Mitchell
10. Matt Giteau
9. Luke Burgess
8. Wycliff Palu
7. George Smith
6. Dean Mumm
5. Nathan Sharpe
4. Hugh McMeniman
3. Al Baxter
2. Stephen Moore
1. Ben Alexander
Run on reserves:
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Sekope Kepu
18. Mark Chisholm
19. David Pocock
20. Sam Cordingley
21. Quade Cooper
22. Digby Ioane
France
Maxime Midard; Julien Malzieu, Benoit Baby, Yannick Jauzion, Cedric Heymans, David Skrela, Sebastien Tillous-Borde; Imanol Harinordoquy, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Thierry Dusautoir; Lionel Nallet (capt), Sebastien Chabal; Nicolas Mas, Dimitri Szarzewski, Lionel Faure
Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Benoit Lecouls, Romain Millo-Chluski, Louis Picamoles, Julien Tomas, Damien Traille, Alexis Palisson
Australia v France – Historical Notes
- This is the 39th Test between teams representing Australia and France, dating back to the inaugural meeting between a touring New South Wales side and France in Paris in 1928, which the visiting side won 11-8. This match was awarded Test status by the ARU. In total, Australia has won 20 matches and France 16, with two previous draws.
- Nineteen Tests have been played between the two nations on French soil with France having won 12 to Australia’s six, while one was drawn.
- France has won the last three clashes on home soil, with Australia’s last success an 18-13 win at Paris in 2000.
- The most recent match between the two teams – at Brisbane in July – saw Australia record its highest winning margin against a French side, in posting a 40-10 victory.
- To celebrate the bi-centenaries of Australia and France in 1988 and 1989 respectively, the French Rugby Union donated the Trophée des Bicentenaries to be played in perpetuity between the two countries. The trophy is a bronze sculpture featuring two players in a tackle. Although the trophy dates from 1988, it was first contested in 1989. Australia won the Trophée des Bicentenaries in 1989, 1990, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002 and earlier this year.
- The record for the most tries by an Australian player in a Test against France is two. It is shared by six players – including Stirling Mortlock and Ryan Cross, who will both feature again in Saturday’s contest. Cross scored his double during the Brisbane Test earlier in the year. Only David Campese (with five) has scored more tries for Australia against France than Mortlock, who has three.
- Flanker George Smith will tie George Gregan and David Campese for the second most Tests played by a Wallaby against France, by earning his 10th cap.
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