Giteau to spark the Wallabies' firepower

[tdevil]

Three key men

Matt Giteau. The drama over Firepower and money owed may be playing on the mind of the five-eighth but it didn't show against Ireland. Giteau is at the centre of the new Australian game plan, and he has the creativity and ability to make it work. Having Berrick Barnes by his side helps as they can mix it up and swap roles, while adding to the team's midfield kicking prowess. The pressure intensifies as he is now the team's No.1 goalkicker as well.
Al Baxter. Not much is known about the French pack, except the usual cliches that they're big, ugly, and can overwhelm with their garlic breath in the tight clinches. But "The Fuse" will be ready for them, with the Wallabies relying on their new tighthead anchor keeping the French in check. Baxter apparently excelled for his club, Northern Suburbs, last Saturday, and will be primed. Experience is also on his side, which will be important because the French pack will be far more mind and body-bending than Ireland were two weeks ago.

Peter Hynes. Not too many have dud first Tests. It is what happens in the second Test that can so often determine the longevity of an international player. The Queensland winger was spectacular against Ireland, but he has to keep doing it. Hynes will always have a strong ally in coach and selector Robbie Deans, as the Kiwi loves fast finishers out wide. But one slip and suddenly the likes of Lachie Turner, Digby Ioane and Adam Ashley-Cooper will find themselves in contention.

The X factor

The new Wallabies regime's eagerness to "play what's in front of you and trust your instincts" may work in their favour against France, who are near the end of a long season and may not have much gas left in the tank. If Australia run them around, fatigue will be a factor. The Wallabies backs are still coming to terms with the new philosophies, so it may be a while before they play the free-flowing, intelligent rugby Robbie Deans is looking for.

The rough stuff

Back in the 1970s, the Wallabies forwards were regarded as the meanest mongrels going around. Just watch a video of the Battle of Ballymore. They have softened off since then and in recent years have even been regarded as having their fair share of fluffy pillows. But the inclusion of James Horwill gives them that edge, much required against the French, who can be very underhanded when they're in the mood. The 1999 World Cup Wallabies will fill you in. Extremities inside and outside the footy jersey are targets.

The referee

The Wallabies are disappointed to hear Mark Lawrence is no longer doing the Test, because they wanted to see his latest conjuring tricks. Yes, Lawrence is an amateur magician. Honest. Instead, due to injury, fellow South African Marius Jonker will be in charge. Jonker is much sterner than the easygoing Lawrence, but is no mug. Jonker is one of the better Super 14 referees, who will not stand for nonsense. That could work in the Wallabies' favour if the French get a bit willing. Jonker can also be a stickler at the breakdown, being very fastidious with any indiscretions.

The laws

The chopping and changing between using and not using the experimental law variations caused problems during the Ireland Test. The Wallabies were not so particular around the breakdown, which put new halfback Luke Burgess under extra pressure when he was swamped by the Irish forwards around the fringes. They will be better this week, but France will still have an advantage in this area, because they are playing under the laws they know best.

What's doing?

France may have their fair share of no-names in their line-up, but this will not be easy. As any Wallaby who has toured France knows, they have a way of producing a stream of international players. French Selection teams have for decades been the bane of Wallabies tours, with 15 assassins waiting to kill the visitors. Many Wallabies have suffered at the hands of French Selection types. That may not be the case tomorrow night, but France's top XV are still bound to put it on. This will be a mean, keen Test.

[tdevil]

...And for the French...

Three key men

Sebastien Chabal. Forget the flair, finesse and fame of France's World Cup pin-up boy. It is time for Chabal to use his Test recall as a way of cementing a starting place rather than one on the bench. His trademark speed and energy may be stymied by his selection in the second row but his experience and aggression will fuel the French pack's ability to overpower the Wallabies forwards and gain the ball their backs will need to make a challenge.

Imanol Harinordoquy. This two-time World Cup star is a massive weapon for the French lineout. He is also a player Wallabies halfback Luke Burgess and five-eighth Matt Giteau may find breathing ferociously down their necks, or running right at them in his trademark line-breaking way. He says he has found new life under the coaching of Marc Lievremont. His astute read of game is also vital to steering the young French pack.

Damien Traille. Inside-centre Traille will tower over Giteau and, by playing so close in, will pose a threat with his running game and kicking. His knowledge will help France's relatively inexperienced No.10 Benjamin Boyet and No.13 Francois Trinh-Duc, who share only eight Test caps between them. The latter, Trinh-Duc, will also be playing at outside-centre for the very first time at Test level.

The X factor

Put simply, the French have absolutely nothing to lose. Zilch. Nada. Rien! And they have come promising to play an attacking game. While they did not bring their best line-up due to the unavailability of players contesting the Top 14 finals, the "unknown" factor of many in the side and their largely untried combinations could be dangerous to the Wallabies. The French won't spare a second not trying. Even better, they still have the second Test in Brisbane to try it all again.

The rough stuff

They say the French have cleaned up their game. But if there is to be a bit of biff, rest assured it will happen deep down in the darkness of set-piece play, where gnarly hands, grappling fingers and flying fists can remain unseen by victim and referee. What are the odds that if there is an incident it will start up front, with the front rows exploding like a landmine, and with the French to blame? A potential spark could be the inexperience at Test level of the French props. That won't make them any less tougher but less used to the discipline expected in a Test.

The referee

How long will it take the French to understand Marius Jonker's South African accent let alone his interpretation of the laws? Rest assured, they had better make it quick, otherwise captain Lionel Nallet and his charges could find themselves penalised out of the game by a strict and disciplined whistleblower who the Wallabies know well from Tri Nations and Super 14 rugby. Australia will focus on their own game, but if there is a chance to lure the French into a trap and incur Jonker's wrath, they will try and take it. The French may just take the bait.

The laws

Nothing much more than a normal day out for the French. Why? Because the laws in place are the laws they are accustomed to. But that assumes the French play by the rules! Either way, they had best appreciate them because after next week's second Test, they will play under experimental law variations (ELVs) - a change Sebastien Chabal admits he doesn't like: "I can't understand why we try to change the rules of our game. Our game, it is good like that. I watched a few games [under ELVS], not much, and for me it is a bit messy on the pitch."

What's doing?

French coach Marc Lievremont obviously wants to win the Test. But behind this natural impulse he will be looking for some new stars-in-the-making and fresh combinations showing potential for the future. As with the Wallabies, French eyes are also on the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. But if there is anything to be gained from blooding such a young and inexperienced squad like this one, it is that it will either increase his depth of choices and/or help to eliminate the dead wood before it is too late.

[robyn <3]

baxter?

[prop53]

good job Gits is still not waiting on the Firepower eh lol lol