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The Wallabies are bracing themselves to face the backlash of a France team they provoked into action when the teams meet in a one-off Test in Sydney on Saturday.

The Australian Rugby Union warned the French not to bother coming to Australia if they planned to send a second-string team down under, as they did on their last tour two years ago.

The warning clearly worked when the French selectors picked a powerful squad this time, but the Australians may regret stirring the Europeans if they lose the match at the Olympic stadium.

The French have not beaten the Wallabies in Australia since 1990 but showed their intent this time with an impressive performance in their two Tests in New Zealand, winning the first in Dunedin then narrowly losing the second in Wellington to win the series on a count-back.

"The French are coming off a series where they have created a bit of history, by picking up some silverware in New Zealand," Australia coach Robbie Deans said.

"They'll be buoyed by that, which will make them incredibly dangerous as the French have always been a very spiritual team.

"You can guarantee that they will throw everything at this game as it's their last one before a break. The players will be looking to make sure there's nothing left in the gas tank once they've finished on Saturday night."

The Australians are unbeaten in three matches this year, a friendly against the Barbarians then two Tests against Italy, but have not yet been fully extended.

Deans picked an experimental team for last week's second Test against Italy in Melbourne but has chosen a full-strength side this week with nine first-choice players recalled - among them captain Stirling Mortlock (pictured).

"The Barbarians and the Italians provided us with a good opening to the season, we had three quality work outs, but there is no doubt that they were a level down on what is coming," Deans said.

"You only have to look as far back as the last two weeks, and what the French achieved in New Zealand, to see what a massive threat they will be."

France made seven changes to the starting side that was beaten by New Zealand last weekend as well as reshuffling the backline.

France coach Marc Lievremont said he wanted to use as many fresh players as possible against the Australians, who he regarded as tougher opponents than the All Blacks.

"The Australians are more organised and strategic in their game," he said.

"We have to compete with Australia in this. They are strong and composed, know how to be patient and have an ability to know what options to take and how to play at any time."

Teams:

Australia - 15-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14-Lachie Turner, 13-Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12-Berrick Barnes, 11-Drew Mitchell, 10-Matt Giteau, 9-Luke Burgess, 8-Richard Brown, 7-George Smith, 6-Dean Mumm, 5-Nathan Sharpe, 4-James Horwill, 3-Al Baxter, 2-Stephen Moore, 1-Benn Robinson.

France - 15-Damien Traille, 14-Maxime Medard, 13-Florian Fritz, 12-Maxime Mermoz, 11-Cedric Heymans, 10-Lionel Beauxis, 9-Dimitri Yachvili, 8-Julien Puricelli, 7-Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6-Thierry Dusautoir (captain), 5-Romain Millo-Chluski, 4-Pascal Pape, 3-Sylvain Marconnet, 2-Dimitri Szarzewski, 1-Fabien Barcella.

Reuters