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Brutal ... the Wallabies can expect a physical encounter when they take on France. Source: Christophe Ena / AP
They may be a new-look team but the same, formidable Gallic passion will fuel a hugely physical French effort against the Wallabies in Paris tomorrow morning.
That's the verdict of former Wallabies halfback Luke Burgess, who has spent the last year in close contract with Les Bleus players after joining powerhouse club Toulouse.
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It wouldn't be a France Test week without the words "unpredictable", "dangerous" and "enigmatic" being trotted out, and the uncertainty about Les Bleus only heightened yesterday when new coach Philippe Saint Andre named an unfamiliar side to play Australia.
Making good on his promises of change, Saint Andre picked a starting team with only two survivors from the Wallabies' 59-16 win on their last trip to Stade de France in 2010.
New faces are dotted throughout the team due to injuries, retirements or axings of many veterans who helped France almost win the World Cup last year.
But based on his experiences in Europe, Burgess has warned the Wallabies the French players are "quietly confident" they can see them snap a six-game losing streak to Australia.
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"It's a strong squad. There is a massive core of Clermont and Toulouse players, who play together all the time," Burgess said.
"They play a lot of football over here, they're very experienced.
"As a group they are capable of anything. You saw the way they played against the All Blacks, they can basically beat any team in the world on their day."
Burgess, who played 37 Tests for Australia, said the French style of rugby was far different from southern hemisphere rugby, but it shouldn't be under-estimated.
"I don't know what its like to play for France but playing club rugby here, they're extremely passionate," Burgess said.
"They're not scared of anyone, that's for sure."I have been impressed with how strong (French rugby) is. A lot of people in the south don't understand what it's like and they bag it, they think it's ugly.
"But rugby is played differently in the north, and if you come up here and try and play southern hemisphere rugby, you'll get surprised. Like Australia has on the last few Spring Tours."
Catch all the action as Australia take on France, Live and in High Definition, from 6.45am Sunday (EDT) on Fox Sports 1HD.
Skipper Thierry Dusatoir is among a handful of experienced players injured, but the likes of Willie Servat, Lionel Nallet have retired and former stalwarts like Aurelien Rougerie and Yannick Jauzion were overlooked in Saint Andre's vision to re-build.
Goal-kicking halfback Morgan Parra was benched for Maxime Machinaud, speedy Clermont centre Wesley Fofana was moved to the wing and 30-year-old prop Yannick Forestier given a debut.
Only flanker Fulgence Ouedrago and prop Nicolas Mas remain from the 2010 match.
French rugby was sent into a spin after Australia's heavy win, but somehow, despite a chaotic World Cup campaign, Les Bleus made the final and were arguably unlucky to lose in the final.
Burgess believes the French are in better shape now than last year.
"They seem to have galvanized themselves (with the World Cup result)," he said.
"I think they have improved. There is quiet confidence, and are very determined. It just has that feel about it.
"It will be a tough match. I reckon it will be really physical. There are pretty much contrasting styles of rugby, a lot will depend on the ref; what does he want to see? Does he want to see a contest at the breakdown or does he want to see the ball liberated?"
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