Hurt French set to muscle up to Wallabies

France skipper Thierry Dusautoir says his new-look outfit needs to be perfect to have a chance of turning the tables on the Wallabies in Melbourne.

Les Bleus captain Thierry Dusautoir is demanding perfection as the Wallabies prepare for a French backlash on Saturday night.

One of 10 changes to the second-rate outfit whipped 50-23 in Brisbane, Dusautoir's clarion call promises an entirely different challenge at Etihad Stadium.

The inspirational flanker, who memorably led France to the brink of an unimaginable 2011 World Cup triumph, is hellbent on avenging last week's "suffering" to end a 24-year drought in Australia.

"We want to show another face of our team," he said on Friday. "We know in order to defeat the Wallabies, we have to be perfect.

"It wasn't the case last week. That's the pressure, to be perfect at each point."

Helping his ambitions immensely are the new personnel, all rested and ready to show they're side is better than a sliding world ranking of No.7.

Along with Dusautoir, coach Philippe Saint-Andre has recalled chief playmaker Remi Tales, giant strike weapon Mathieu Bastareaud, canny halfback Morgan Parra and star winger Maxime Medard.

The Wallabies, who weathered an early yet brief first Test onslaught, are under no illusions what a passionate French team can produce.

"Different night, different stadium, almost a different team to be fair," said centre Matt Toomua. "Things can change very quickly.

"They will be a lot stronger. Game two was always going to be a focus for them.

"They would have targeted this game from the start."

Toomua was quick to say the flipside for Australia is an extra week of preparation which has them equipped to build on their precise seven-try attacking display.

Victory would bring a sixth straight victory, their best streak since 2004-05 when Eddie Jones was in his last year as coach.

New skipper Michael Hooper is expecting a boots-and-all stoush with 2011 world player of the year Dusautoir in a fiery baptism as captain.

The 22-year-old NSW Waratah is 11 years younger and 36 caps less experienced than his opposite number but Dusautoir has credited Hooper as ahead of his time and a major danger for the tourists.

Both are relishing the pivotal breakdown battle.

"As a No.7, you want to play these guys and play the best in the world," Hooper said.

"Dusautoir is obviously the leader of that pack and will be at the forefront and I'm sure bring a lot of passion.

"We've been preparing for that this week."

Toomua's job is even bigger out wide - he's the main man assigned to stop 120kg centre Bastareaud.

The Brumbies playmaker gives 30kg away to the Toulon powerhouse but isn't shying away from muscling up in defence.

Toomua has been a revelation since he moved to No.12 for the Wallabies late last year and continues to pack a punch with his tackling.

"I like to use (my defence) as a weapon and impose myself," he said.

"Having said that I've never played someone that size in the centres before.

"I'll have my hands full."


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