How unprecedented Wallabies-France Test schedule could launch dreams

Rugby Australia officials have tabled a plan to host France in three Test matches on July 7, 13 and 17 in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Short turnarounds between games, two of which would be midweek clashes, could open the door for fringe players to earn a place in Australia's 23-man squad.

It adds further spice to the Super Rugby AU qualifying final between Alaalatoa's ACT Brumbies and the Western Force at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

Because players perhaps just outside the nation's best 23 may get their shot, with a host of Brumbies like Andy Muirhead, Cadeyrn Neville, Len Ikitau and squad bolter Lachlan Lonergan a chance to press their case.

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"If that's what it has come down to, then I'm sure a lot of our experienced staff in the Wallabies will make sure the boys are fresh and ready to rip into those three games," Alaalatoa said of the prospect of three Tests in 11 days.

"Just knowing for rugby games, it goes both sides, so what we have to do, they have to do. I'm guessing whoever prepares better will get the job done.

"If that's what happens then I know our staff will make sure they have a plan and make sure the boys are ready to rip in."

Rugby Australia officials are desperate to lock in the French tour, with officials on the verge of securing a deal in a bid to rebound from a major financial loss.

The governing body recorded a net deficit of $27.1 million for 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail the sport's future in Australia.

Rugby Australia lost so much money the code considered reverting to amateur status, with a $45.7 million reduction in revenue somewhat offset by $31.2 million in cost cuts.

All five Australian Super Rugby clubs felt the pinch, with the Brumbies desperate to lure bigger crowds to Canberra Stadium after attendances were capped last year.

The Brumbies are now set to host a final for the second time in as many years - only this time its a qualifying final instead of a decider, and this time there is no cap on crowd figures.

So Alaalatoa is relishing the chance to play in front of a bigger crowd with the Brumbies' hopes of advancing to next week's grand final in Queensland on the line.

"Having that pressure feeling we had last year in the finals, and that build-up to a final is definitely crucial," Alaalatoa said.

"The boys love playing at [Canberra Stadium] and we know how passionate our fans are. There is definitely a vibe that goes through the boys knowing we've got a home game coming up.

"We know in the pressure moments, having our crowd and our supporters behind us is going to pull us through those moments.

"We know it's going to go for the whole 80 minutes, so our finishers are going to do a good job when they get on the field.

"Some of those players have been around for quite a while now. We definitely know they have a lot of momentum from the past three games but for us, it's been a good week of preparation.

"We just need to make sure we apply that and take our chances when they come."

SUPER RUGBY AU QUALIFYING FINAL

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Western Force at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets from Ticketek. Broadcast: Live on Gem and Stan Sport.

ACT Brumbies squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Fainga'a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Nic White, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Banks. Replacements: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Mack Hansen.

Western Force squad: 1. Tom Robertson, 2. Feleti Kaitu'u, 3. Santiago Medrano, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Sitaleki Timani, 6. Fergus Lee-Warner, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 10. Domingo Miotto, 11. Jorda Olowofela, 12. Kyle Godwin (c), 13. Richard Kahui, 14. Toni Pulu, 15. Jake Strachan. Replacements: 16. Andrew Ready, 17. Angus Wagner, 18. Greg Holmes, 19. Ryan McCauley, 20. Tim Anstee, 21. Ian Prior, 22. Henry Taefu, 23. Jack McGregor.

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