Deans: Strong display against French is vital

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans has stressed the importance of tomorrow’s Test with France as the Wallabies look to end their European tour on a high note.

Victories over Wales and Italy went some way towards easing the pain of their defeat to England at Twickenham and a midweek loss to Munster in Limerick, during what has been a mixed month for Deans’ men.

But the Wallabies coach is hoping to bring the curtain down on their trip with an impressive display at the Stade de France against the Six Nations champions.

“Being our last outing for the year definitely adds some importance to it,” Deans said. “Not only will it be our last impression from a team perspective, but it’s the players’ last opportunity to make an impression leading into what is an important year next year .”

Even if they lose to Les Bleus, Deans is confident his players have learned a great deal on their travels.

“Every game’s been different and that’s part of touring Europe,” he said.

“Regardless of outcomes, which obviously everyone chases, we’ll be better for our time here and there’s no doubt about that.

“We’ve had some good outcomes at tough venues against tough opponents and there have also been elements of frustration, but each occasion has been a learning occasion.”

Scrum-half Will Genia is back in the starting XV following a rib injury, along with winger James O’Connor, who returns from compassionate leave. Luke Burgess and Lachie Turner are the players to make way.

Australian prop James Slipper is determined to dispel the perception that the Wallabies are poor at scrum time.

“It’s something I’ve really taken pride in, trying to get rid of this reputation that Australia has a bad scrum,” Slipper said. “It seems that everywhere you look most of the media is about our scrum and we’re more than just our scrum.”

After a shocking start to the season in which the Wallabies front row was destroyed by their English counterparts, Slipper believes that matters have improved.

“It was really bad at the start of the year, I’ll admit that,” the 21-year-old said. “Against England we got torn apart in the June Tests at home. From where we started, it’s been a big improvement and we’re all looking forward to really stepping up and getting rid of this tag.”

France have beaten Fiji and Argentina in recent weeks and are also looking to end their autumn programme on a positive note.

Coach Marc Lievremont has major doubts over Lionel Nallet though, with Romain Millo-Chluski on standby to replace the lock, who is struggling with a back injury.

“Nallet’s withdrawal is highly probable because his back hasn’t improved,” Lievremont explained. “We’ll take a decision on Saturday morning.”

Thomas Domingo (thigh) and Fabrice Estebanez (knee) are expected to recover from knocks picked up in training this week.