Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Wallabies vs France has taken on extra weight before Saturday’s Brisbane Test, with Australia needing to rebound from a 33-31 Nations Championship loss to Ireland and avoid their first six-game losing streak since 2016.
The Wallabies scored five tries in Sydney and led by 12 points, but missed kicks, 12 penalties and late game pressure allowed Ireland to snatch a painful win.
The result followed another narrow Australian rugby setback, with the Wallabies falling short against Ireland after a late penalty miss.
Kicking Debate Grows
Former Wallabies great Tim Horan believes scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan could become a key kicking option if Australia are again forced into long-range chances.
"If you pull the Test apart, we're clutching for where we get better," two-time World Cup winner Horan told AAP.
"If you're finding ways to improve ... we nailed pretty much everything apart from four kicks from the sideline."
Ben Donaldson missed two late penalties from difficult angles, while Carter Gordon missed two conversions before leaving with cramp in both calves.
"You've got to have two or three kickers, and Donaldson's got to step up if Carter and Lonergan are replaced," Horan said.
"Carter's first two kicks, very difficult, but you need everything spot-on in Test match footy ... look at (Thomas) Ramos for France, he nails everything.
Lonergan Could Be The Answer
Lonergan impressed in his first Test start before leaving before halftime to be assessed for throat damage.
He is understood to be available, while Gordon is waiting on medical clearance before the France clash.
"Lonergan, he's a bit like (former Wallabies scrumhalf) Nic White, who they would turn to for those kicks from beyond 50."
Horan also backed the early signs from the Lonergan-Gordon partnership.
"Their first thought, second thought and third thought is to run the ball," Horan said.
"But Carter ... he asked those questions, then didn't go to a fourth or fifth phase, he just said, 'OK, let's get out of here'.
"His game management's really improved."
Wallabies Seek Cleaner Finish
France arrive after a 34-32 loss to New Zealand in Christchurch, but without Thomas Ramos and Antoine Dupont, who have been rested from the tour.
Fullback Jock Campbell said Australia must turn strong patches into a result.
"It's just a few moments and they were clinical and we let a couple slip," he said.
"That's hard to take ... but you've got to do it on the field.
"(We can't be satisfied) until we do get over the hump."
Official rugby updates are available through World Rugby.
