The Australian team, coached by Eddie Jones since this year, hasn’t won a single match yet in 2023. Four games played and four defeats, some of them crushing.

Defeated 43-12 in Pretoria against South Africa and 7-38 in Melbourne against New Zealand, the Wallabies have never managed to elevate their game to compete with their Southern rivals.

Though their last match in Dunedin against the All Blacks gave hope to Australians (a 23-20 loss), both the fans of the continental nation and outside observers are concerned about their chances of qualifying for the final stages. Facing the Welsh, Fijians, Georgians, and Portuguese in Pool C, anything seems possible.

Australia will arrive in France with an inexperienced and young squad. Of the 33 selected players, 16 have less than 10 caps, and at the time of writing this article, 4 have not yet been selected in the gold and green jersey. Moreover, Eddie Jones changed his plans at the last minute to choose his 33-man squad. While Quade Cooper was expected to lead the Australian game, the unconvinced Carter Gordon, fly-half of the Melbourne Rebels, takes over. Michael Hooper, the Wallabies’ emblematic captain, will also not make the trip.

A team without real collective experience, starting from scratch with no bearings. Australia’s goal is clear: to prepare for the 2025 Lions tour and the 2027 World Cup, both events they will host.

So will the French team, in general rehearsal for the match against New Zealand, easily win this Sunday at Stade de France?

Les Bleus are clearly gaining strength. They have a much better controlled and settled game. They now have truly impressive experience and serenity that is almost unmatched.

The opposite of Eddie Jones’ men, who haven’t won a single match and are still searching.

However, this Australian team will not let themselves be walked over so easily.

Indeed, heavily criticized in their country for their lack of results, father Eddie will not miss making it an ultimate source of motivation for his players. And perhaps we’ve already seen a glimpse of what this could look like at the World Cup.

Their last match against the All Blacks, lost by only three points, proved they had the ability to withstand New Zealand’s assaults and be pragmatic with the score.

By putting great intensity, speed in their game, impact in defense, Australia clearly moved New Zealand.

It was close for Tate McDermott’s teammates to pull off the surprise and feat.

Furthermore, with players like Richie Arnold and Will Skelton stepping up, the Wallabies have elements to ensure stability during the match.

Mark Nawaqanitawase, the spearhead of the attack, Marika Koroibete in form, Angus Bell impressive in Dunedin, nothing indicates, upon closer examination of Eddie Jones’ men, that it will be a walk in the park for the French.

The former All Blacks coach, consulting this week for the team, was also optimistic for this team: « actually, it’s a good team. They lack the experience to perform. »

Australia is heavily criticized at home, indeed, but it would be rash to judge them by their recent record and results alone. Caution, therefore.