World Cup-winner Daniel Herbert is excited about watching a more direct game from the Wallabies’ centres tonight with Len Ikitau and Hunter Paisami paired against France.
Herbert said Ikitau, 22, had a “huge chance” to mount a case for regular selection at No.13 should he excel in the series-decider at Suncorp Stadium.
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Herbert was authority and power running from outside centre for the Wallabies in their storied run to the 1999 World Cup final where they beat the French 35-12.
He gave a thumbs-up to coach Dave Rennie’s decision to move Paisami to inside centre and introduce Ikitau as a starter for the first time.
“For this Test, it gives us the chance to play more direct and I like that against the French,” Herbert said.
“Ikitau adds a bit more size to what really isn’t a very big backline at the moment.
“I like his footwork too.
“For the French, they are using this as a dress rehearsal in the lead-up to their home World Cup in 2023 with the introduction of new players on this tour.
“It’s a big audition for some new Wallabies’ starters too with the Bledisloe Cup coming up and the World Cup not far away at all.”
Herbert said the Wallabies are deriving great value from facing such a quality opponent in July.
“The French have huge depth. In my view, they are the equal of the Kiwis in terms of depth right now. They are the team to beat at the 2023 World Cup and they are showing that on this tour.”
Former Wallabies skipper James Horwill said a win over the French at Suncorp Stadium would have great merit.
“It’s a huge opportunity to win a series at home against a touring side for the first time since 2014,” Horwill said with the knowledge that England (2016) and Ireland (2018) had won three-Test series since.
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Horwill said he expects halfback Tate McDermott to be a significant figure in his first starting role.
“I think it’s very exciting for Tate. I hope he plays his natural game and doesn’t go into his shell,” Horwill said.
“I think he should really try to pick up the tempo against the French
“Three Tests in 11 days is a big ask for both sides. Taking some quick taps and exploiting chances around the ruck should test the French in ways they haven’t been in this series.
“It’s a big opportunity. There’s a lot of Will Genia in his game and a Queenslander playing at home at Suncorp Stadium is a big occasion.
“The ceiling is very high for Tate. Hopefully, this is the start of a long Test career for him.”
Horwill put a microscope on the breakdown as a key area that needs improvement tonight.
“The Wallabies have obviously struggled at the breakdown (in the two previous Tests). The French have done a fantastic job in defence and that turnover element,” he said.
“Winning the contact area will make the breakdown a lot easier for the Wallabies.”
