Scrum-half Morgan Parra said on Monday France are looking for revenge as they try to keep alive their three-Test series with the Wallabies in this weekend’s second clash in Melbourne.
Les Bleus were surprised by Australia’s intensity and pace and crashed out 50-23 in their opening Test in Brisbane on Saturday.
Parra, who is expected to come into the French side for Maxime Machenaud in a number of team changes, expects the tourists to bounce back in Saturday’s second Test.
“They surprised us in terms of the intensity of the game and the pace of the game, the speed of their passing,” Parra told reporters.
“I don’t think mentally we were expecting that kind of intensity from the first Test so now we are aware of it.
“And when you get 50 points against you … you just want to get a bit of revenge from the score the previous weekend.”
France are expected to boost their line-up with captain and flanker Thierry Dusautoir returning, along with playmaker Remi Tales, centre Mathieu Bastareaud, winger Maxime Medard, No.8 Louis Picamoles and Parra.
Parra came off the bench in Brisbane, scoring a try as France scored the last 14 points after trailing the Wallabies 50-9.
He said France’s missing stars would probably have made little difference to the result given Australia’s dominant performance, but he does believe having so many top quality players available will be a huge boost for the visitors.
“I’m not sure even if you’d put 15 or 20 other players in the line-up the other week you would have changed much. Australia’s performance was just great,” said Parra.
“Everyone is important. It’s not because one or another come in that you will change the strategy of the team, but it’s true that when you’ve got Mathieu Bastareaud in midfield it’s helping some other players from the forwards.”
“You need some time to master the rush defence. But we need also to know when to use the rush defence and when we just need to contain them.
“We all have to take our responsibilities and stay focused on the field. We have the talent.”
The French have not won in Australia for 24 years and lost their only match against the Wallabies in Melbourne 29-17 in 2002.