Wallabies must improve ahead of rugby Tri-Nations: reports

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

SYDNEY (AFP) — Australia must make big improvements for next weekend's return rugby union Test against France as the sterner test of the Tri-Nations series looms ever closer, reports said Monday.

The Australians beat a depleted France 34-13 here last Saturday in a performance coach Robbie Deans rated as an improvement on the 18-12 win over Ireland in Melbourne a fortnight earlier.

But the Wallabies' opening half was error-prone and commentators said their renaissance must accelerate against France in Brisbane on Saturday to prepare for the Tri-Nations against World Cup champions South Africa and New Zealand.

"Fair enough, the France Test did represent a marked improvement on the Ireland match," The Australian newspaper said. "The set pieces were solid, while...