France in Australia 2014
Saint-Andre promises changes after France capitulation
ESPN Staff
June 8, 2014
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Australia's Tevita Kuridrani smashes France's Hugo Bonneval in an example of the aggression the visitors struggled to deal with © Getty Images
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France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre has promised to shake up his starting XV for the second Test against Australia after Saturday's abject performance in Brisbane.

Les Blues were outgunned by a rampant Wallabies side, who ran in seven tries to thrash the tourists 50-23. France were without several key players, including captain Thierry Dusautoir, but the manner of their capitulation has given Saint-Andre cause for concern.

"We will try very hard in training this week to have a much, much better match in Melbourne," he said. "We have to work hard on our tackling technique this week. Some new players will start. We will have a team with a better foundation and more experience."

Dusautoir is recovering from an arm injury but should be fit for the second Test, while Saint-Andre could recall the dropped Louis Picamole to add some steel to the side. He will also be able to call on the services of Castres' Remi Tales and Brice Dulin, and Toulon's Mathieu Bastareaud, who were rested on Saturday having contested the Top 14 final a week earlier.

Saint-Andre was scathing in his assessment of France's efforts on Saturday as they again failed to win Down Under for the first time since 1972. "Yesterday some players showed their limits," he said. "At this level, you pay for every mistake. I am not the first coach of a team to let in 50 points in the southern hemisphere but this one gives me a headache."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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