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Wallabies set for changes ahead of series decider with France
By AAP
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has forecast changes to his line-up for the deciding test in Brisbane this Saturday, after France levelled the series with a gripping second test victory in Melbourne last night.
France fullback Melvyn Jaminet was on hand to secure a 28-26 victory with a penalty in the 78th minute, wresting back the lead after the Wallabies had edged in front just minutes earlier at AAMI Park.
It was France's first win over the Wallabies on Australian soil in 31 years.
With Australia winning the first test in Brisbane last Saturday 23-21, the condensed series will now be decided back at Suncorp Stadium with both sides getting just four days break.
Rennie stuck by the same 23 for the first two tests, but said there would be new faces coming in for the series decider.
"I think so - we will see how our guys bounce back tomorrow," Rennie said.
"There's massive competition for places," said Rennie. "There's a number of guys who played in these first two games and there's not a hell of a lot between them and someone who is outside that 23. We've got guys who have been really scrapping for an opportunity and deserve a crack and we want to see a response from those new guys coming in. They will be fresh and full of beans and give us some key energy."
Winger Tom Wright had an unhappy match, while Rennie could opt to reward halfback Tate McDermott with a start after he again impressed off the bench.
The Wallabies were outplayed at the breakdown, with France showing much more urgency to force penalties and turnovers.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto lacked discipline in that area but still topped the tackle count.
Skipper Michael Hooper, who was one of his team's best, was upbeat about their chances in the decider.
"There's no lack of effort in the squad - everyone is aiming up," Hooper said. "We will wake up sore but rearing to go and if we fix up a couple of parts of our game, I think we can take it another level again."
The Wallabies play France in the third and final test of the eToro series on Saturday 17th July, 8.00 pm AEST.
Melissa Woods, AAP
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Latest Comments
BB a 9'5 you have to be kidding. No way was he that good you seem to have the same hero worship of BB that the coaches have with him. Rieko to the wing or out altogether he is actually a real hand brake to this team.
Go to commentsA 20pt messy win is about what I expected. Lots of media & fans not reading the room imo. I think the Azzuri were hoping to ambush a 2nd string ABs & may well have done so. Eking out an ugly win is definitely a sign of growth. 2025 looks exciting.
Also, AUS has only beaten ENG of note. They need to show up v SCO & IRE to get a proper gauge. Beating WAL three times doesn't count. Also, winning one test from six in TRC is useless. So TRC2025 will be the real litmus test for AUS. That said, I'm rooting for our SH brothers for the next two tests.
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