Lievremont just 'loves' the Aussies
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:18
After workmanlike wins over Argentina and the Pacific Islanders, France face Australia in Paris on Saturday in a match that will define the success of their year-end internationals and provide the clearest indication of their form prior to the 2009 Six Nations.
Last weekend's 42-17 victory over the Islanders followed a narrow 12-6 win against Argentina, but coach Marc Lievremont knows the Wallabies will be an altogether different proposition.
"Australia are very strong, very solid and very brave," he said.
"They don't have many weaknesses and don't give points away. They are very hard to move around."
Lievremont has been forced to enlist Castres scrumhalf Sebastien Tillous-Borde as a replacement for first-choice No.9 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, who is still recovering from a high tackle by the Islanders' Napolioni Nalaga.
The French pack has also been tweaked in recognition of the physical challenge posed by the Australian forwards purring after their role in the 28-14 win against England at Twickenham.
Sale hard man Sebastien Chabal replaces Toulouse's Romain Millo-Chluski in the second row.
"The public's support for Sebastien will certainly be important at the beginning of the match," said French forwards coach Didier Retiere.
"Everyone is looking forward to his return."
Australia prop Al Baxter recognises Chabal's unique role in the French set-up and says the tourists must get to grips with him quickly if they are to dampen the hopes of the Stade de France crowd.
"He's obviously a player that they draw a lot of strength from, like Richie McCaw for the All Blacks or Schalk Burger for the Springboks," said Baxter.
"He's the kind of player who really is a leader for the side. But if you fully concentrate on Sebastien Chabal you forget about a lot of the other fine players they have in their team."
AFP
