Les Bleus heading Down Under
France are to play three Test matches against Australia in June next year, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Monday.
Philippe Saint-Andre's side, who were beaten three times by the All Blacks on tour this year, will begin against the Wallabies on June 7 in Brisbane – a week after the end of the domestic Top 14 season.
They will then leave for Melbourne for a second tie on June 14, before a third game against new Aussie coach Ewen McKenzie's men, on June 21 in Sydney, the FFR told AFP.
Les Bleus ran out 33-6 winners against Australia at the Stade de France in Paris last year.
But they have struggled away from home, with their most recent victory coming in 1990, when Saint-Andre and current backs coach Patrice Lagisquet were part of the team that won 28-19 in Sydney.
France's last visit to Australia dates back to 2009, when they lost 6-22, also in Sydney.
Saint-Andre's team have only won once in eight matches in 2013 and embarrassingly finished bottom in the Six Nations tournament last season.
It was their first wooden spoon since 1999.
They are set to play three internationals in November against world champions New Zealand at the Stade de France on November 9, Tonga in the northern port city of Le Havre on November 16 and South Africa back in the capital on November 23.
AFP
