Philippe Saint-Andre
France have “revenge” on their minds ahead of Saturday’s international Test against Australia.
Philippe Saint-Andre’s team suffered three straight defeats by the Wallabies on their June tour Down Under, and two of those were humiliating.
Either side of a dour 0-6 reverse in Melbourne, France were thumped 50-23 in Brisbane and 39-13 in Sydney.
“We have to take a revenge three times over,” said Saint-Andre – after Les Bleus cruised to a 40-15 success over Fiji in Marseille at the weekend, while Australia triumphed 33-28 in Cardiff for their 10th successive victory over Wales.
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“What struck me was the third Test [in June] where we collapsed too quickly. That’s unacceptable when you represent a country, a history, an identity.”
Saint-Andre knows his side will have to stand up to the Wallabies in individual battles at the Stade de France in Paris.
“Saturday they won a lot of turnovers. They have individuals who are capable of winning one-on-one duels.”
As for his own side, Saint-Andre says there is much to work on from the Fiji match, despite running in five tries, including a hat-trick from debutant wing Teddy Thomas.
“We know we still have work to do. We conceded two tries from defensive mistakes and we could have been a bit more patient close to the line.
“But at least there was enthusiasm, desire, a team that was lively and enjoyed playing.”
The result ensured France did not suffer a fifth straight defeat for the first time since 1982 – they had lost their final Six Nations clash 22-20 at home to Ireland in March before the June tour.
But Saint-Andre is wary of his side switching off.
“We’re French, every time we don’t move things very much, we fall asleep.”
Still, the coach was enjoying a rare success since taking over the reins three years ago – it was only the 12th France win in 30 matches on his watch.
And he even found the chance to mock those who have criticised him for constant tinkering.
He aligned scrumhalf Sebastien Tillous-Borde with flyhalf Camille Lopez for his 13th different halfback pairing in those 30 matches.
Yet they both played well and combined expertly.
“Apparently it was the 13th [pairing], maybe there will be a 14th or 15th,” said Saint-Andre defiantly.
Finally he turned his attention to Racing-Metro’s Thomas, who is likely to be given another outing against the Wallabies despite being partially at fault for Fiji’s first try after a weak attempt at a tackle.
“Already he has qualities that you can’t buy in the supermarket – he runs fast, he wins his duels and he scores tries,” said Saint-Andre, who was also impressed with the debuts of South African born Scott Spedding and Alexandre Dumoulin.
“For [Spedding’s] first cap it was a quality performance, just as with Dumoulin, who was more than interesting.”