The China Mail - France's Galthie says 'hot and cold' Australia still a threat

The Wallabies blew a 12-point lead in a crushing 33-31 loss to Andy Farrell's Ireland in Sydney last weekend, where ill-discipline cost them dearly.

It was their eighth defeat in nine Tests and another example of their inability to close out games.

Six Nations champions France were similarly devastated after failing to get over the line against the All Blacks in Christchurch, falling 34-32 in a nine-try epic.

Despite Australia's patchy form, a France side missing a host of big names remain wary ahead of the clash at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

"They're an on-and-off team. They're capable of beating anyone," said Galthie.

"At times they impose their rugby, built on speed and power. Then there are moments of inconsistency. They're a team that blows hot and cold.

"But when they're good, you see the roots of the two world titles they have in their trophy cabinet."

Australia won the World Cup in 1991 and 1999 but were eliminated in the pool stages in 2023 and are currently ranked eight to France's four.

While France have won their last three games against them, all at Stade de France, most recently a 48-33 triumph in November, the Wallabies have traditionally been strong at Suncorp Stadium.

They have been victorious in all five Tests against Les Blues at the venue.

Nevertheless, they will have their work cut out against an attack-minded outfit, who despite losing to New Zealand were dangerous on the break.

- Big ask -

France are without injured record try scorer Damian Penaud but reinforced by the addition to the starting XV of five players who featured in the Top 14 final between Toulouse and Montpellier late last month.

That includes big hooker Peato Mauvaka who is part of revamped second row with Montpellier's Florian Verhaeghe and Toulouse giant Emmanuel Meafou, signalling the battle among the forwards could be pivotal.

Galthie also sprung a surprise by shifting star playmaker Matthieu Jalibert to fullback to make way for Montpellier's Romain Ntamack at fly-half.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt has gambled on a yet another new fly-half in the uncapped Declan Meredith after injuries ruled out Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson.

He is the sixth player to wear the No.10 jersey over the last year.

Tom Wright comes in for Jock Campbell at full back in the only other change to a settled side.

The outgoing Schmidt, at his penultimate Test before handing over to new coach Les Kiss, admits Meredith will be under enormous pressure.

"It's a million-dollar question, really, isn't it?" Schmidt said when asked if the ACT Brumbies playmaker could handle such a big occasion. "It's a big ask to suddenly be thrust into it.

"Declan's had 10 days with us effectively, so he's had a chance to build a bit of confidence and hopefully to add a bit of continuity."

One area Australia was strong against Ireland was their tackling, underlining their physicality in defence which will be central to their game plan.

They also stole two lineouts, a set-piece weapon that could prove decisive.

But their discipline was an issue, giving away 11 penalties in their own half, a trait Schmidt says must end.

L.Johnson--ThChM