Wallabies can expect torrid encounter against muscled-up French pack

1. France load up on forward power.

What to make of the French team named on Saturday evening for the first Test? Well, they have clearly signalled their intent by loading up on forwards in a 6-2 split on the bench. This isn’t typical. The only time they did this during the Six Nations this year was against England at Twickenham, so that shows what they are expecting from the Wallabies.

The French are expected to provide a big physical presence at the breakdown in the first Test.Credit:AP

The French have some big men on the bench, particularly in the second row/back row, so Dave Rennie’s prediction that France will kick a lot and try to exert pressure through defence looks accurate. The midfield of Jonathan Danty – who is a unit – and Athur Vincent is also physical and direct, so the collisions in Brisbane on Wednesday should be a step up from Super Rugby.

2. Jake Gordon might be the man for No.9 job

The Wallabies will unveil their side to face France about noon on Monday, and the No.9 jersey will likely prompt the most debate. Wallabies legend Tim Horan would select Tate McDermott, but you wonder if Jake Gordon might get the nod. There is a chance the Wallabies could be young at No.10 and No.12 if James O’Connor and Matt To’omua are ruled out, so a McDermott-Lolesio-Paisami combination would accentuate the lack of experience.

Jake Gordon could play the first hour against France.Credit:Getty

At 27, Gordon is playing the best football of his career and has toughed it out this year in a poor Waratahs side, frequently putting his body on the line. If he is over his knee injury – and all indications suggest he is – he might be the man for the first 50-60 minutes before McDermott comes on as the game breaks up.

3. Tonga’s 102-0 loss to the All Blacks was good for … rugby league.

New Zealand Rugby probably dreamt of a sea of Tongan red and Samoan blue at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday for the double-header against the All Blacks and Māori All Blacks. However, the empty seats were noticeable, a far cry from the memorable scenes at the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 when Tongan fans turned up en masse.

Dalton Papalii strolls over for the All Blacks against an overwhelmed Tongs at Mt Smart Stadium.Credit:Getty

Under rugby’s current eligibility laws, Tonga and Samoa don’t stand a chance against the so-called tier-one nations. The All Blacks’ massive win on Saturday will do little to dissuade Tongan and Samoans that international rugby league currently serves them better.

4. Why Wallabies-Japan Test is going to be huge.

The Herald has learnt that the Wallabies are set to play Japan en route to Europe later this year, a Test that has enormous significance given Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos’ comments earlier this week. “We have a commitment to play the Japanese on a more frequent basis and using that over the next couple of years as a performance metric.”

Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony is held aloft as he wins a lineout against Japan at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on July 3.Credit:AP

In other words, if Japan are to be in the Rugby Championship after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, they need to start beating the Wallabies, or getting close. Japan were competitive in going down 39-31 to a decent Ireland team at the weekend, in just their second Test since the Rugby World Cup. The signs for them are fair to good.

Will Jordan crosses for one of his five tries against Tonga. Credit:Getty

5. The big danger in the All Blacks this year.

Crusaders wing/fullback Will Jordan has issues with his defence and occasionally makes a simple error. However, his five tries against Tonga on Saturday showed once again that he can play the game on a different level to most. He has genuine acceleration and speed, size, and a sense of anticipation that won praise from All Blacks great Ben Smith earlier this year. The Wallabies were spared from facing Jordan last year as the All Blacks favoured Jordie Barrett in the No.14 jersey, but they are unlikely to be as fortunate in 2021.

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