Australia vs France Preview & Tips - France to sweep Australia aside in Nations Championship

France were also beaten by two points last week as they lost 34-32 to New Zealand in a stunning display of running rugby between the two sides. 

Across their last 10 meetings, France have won five times, with Australia winning the other five. Importantly, France have won their last three against the Aussies. 

Australia were right in the game against Ireland last weekend as they led their opponents 24-19 at half-time. The pair seemed well-matched after the opening 40 minutes, with the Aussies on top. 

Frustratingly, they could not hold out late in the first-half as they conceded in the 42nd minute. Instead of going un 24-12 up, Ireland cut the gap to 24-19. From there, Ireland won the second-half 14-7 via a 77th minute try and conversion that won them the game. While the Aussies had their moments as they put Ireland's defence under strain, they could not make the most out of this as they were outscored by the tourists. 

While Australia put Ireland under a lot of pressure, they will likely struggle to contain France this week. Ireland were looking to maintain their structure across the pitch, utilising big forward carries and intelligent kicking to pin the Aussies back. On the other hand, France will arrive looking to expose gaps in Australia's defence, giving their backline the chance to burst through holes or exploit space out wide. Speed of ball is key for France, meaning Australia will have to try to slow the ball on the floor and plug in gaps defensively. 

If Australia try to go toe-to-toe with France, they will more than likely lose. 

France arrive for this one looking to win for only the second time in four outings. Defeats to Scotland and New Zealand sandwich a 48-46 win over England, with the French conceding a lot of points of late. 

Their 50-40 loss to Scotland was a stunning clash of expansive rugby, while their 48-46 win over England came as their opponents desperately tried to secure a much-needed win. Their 34-32 loss to New Zealand saw the touring side impress, but they could not quite find a way to build on a 78th minute try to score the winning points. 

As mentioned above, France are one of the teams to watch when it comes to moving the ball quickly. Every single player in their team is looking for a way to create space, with their off-loading game and ability to run from anywhere causing havoc whenever they play. With three consecutive wins across their last three against the Aussies, I am backing the touring side to get their first opening win of the competition as they beat the Aussies by 13+ points.