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Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe charges at All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu. - Source: Photosport -
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Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe says Australia's recent dominance over France will count for nothing when they clash at Stade de France in Paris tomorrow morning.
A victory would give Australia a record-equalling sixth straight win over the French.
Australia finished off preparations for the Test with a captain's run at Stade de France today on an overcast, six-degree day.
The 34-year-old Sharpe, who retires at the end of the four-Test European tour, said Australia's string of wins over France, dating back to 2008, is irrelevant to the Wallabies, who are bracing for a fierce French side that blitzed Argentina 49-10 in June.
"You never go into a game worrying about what happened beforehand," Sharpe said. "Teams around the world have traditional strengths and I think this French team is no different - they have flair out wide and they have a strong forward pack.
"You only have to look at [their] last couple of games against Argentina. They mauled a lot, and they are going to be combative and confrontational - that's what we are expecting."
Australia gave France a hiding last time they faced them in Paris, winning by a record 59-16.
Following a brutal first half where the teams were locked at 13-13, the Wallabies went on a point-scoring rampage, clocking 46 in a 32-minute blitz of the French.
"The way the game ended last time won't happen again," said Sharpe. "France are a very proud nation."
Sharpe has been impressed with the Wallabies' build-up to this game.
"The preparation has probably been one of the better ones I can remember. It's up there with Rosario and Brisbane before the last game."
The late 9pm (local time) kickoff in Paris is sure to make for difficult conditions in Europe and with rain forecast, it could prove even more challenging for the Wallabies.
"We've spoken about it briefly and the guys are prepared for that," said Sharpe. "Hopefully, the ball stays a bit drier, so both teams can play a bit.
"You prepare for the worst and hope for the best."
France have been forced to make a late change, with second-rower Yoann Maestri forced to withdraw due to injury and his place taken by Toulon's Jocelino Suta, who will be making his debut.
Perpignan forward Sebastien Vahaamahina, 21, takes Suta's place on the bench.