FRENCH rugby is going through a transition phase after last year’s World Cup. Here are five players to watch in Sunday’s Test match against the Wallabies.

Here are five players to watch in Sunday’s Test match against the Wallabies.

1) WESLEY FOFANA

Known in France as ‘Le Guepard’ (The Cheetah) for his speed, the Clermont man is a joy to watch with ball in hand.

A graceful runner, he is possessed with wonderful balance which allows him to stay on his feet and slip through the slightest of gaps.

Fofana is coming into his prime at 28-years-old and, with 42 Tests to his name, is now one of the veterans of a rebuilding French side.

Wallabies debutant Kyle Godwin will have his hands full at Stade Francais.

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2) VIRIMI VAKATAWA

Listed at 1.86m and 92kg, Vakatawa looks much bigger as he storms down the sideline on one of his imposing raids.

One of six Fijian wingers playing a Test for a nation other than Fiji this weekend.

Vakatawa starred in sevens for France and went to the Olympics but is now making waves on the Test match scene.

He has six Test caps to his name and scored a hat-trick in last weekend’s demolition of Samoa.

3) LOUIS PICAMOLES

At 30-years-old and with 55 Tests to his name, the robust No 8 is another key plank in coach Guy Noves’ plans to restore the fortunes of French rugby.

A terrific ball carrier, Picamoles has scored six Test tries in a career which began against Ireland in 2008.

He was one of the few French players to front up in last year’s shellacking at the hands of the All Blacks at the World Cup.

His match-up with Aussie wonderkid Sean McMahon should be a beaut.

4) UINI ATONIO

At a behemoth 1.97m and 155kg, Atonio was the biggest forward at last year’s World Cup.

Born in Timaru, New Zealand, Atonio has Samoan heritage and the big prop is now an important member of a multicultural French side.

He has natural ball-carrying and scrummaging ability and Wallabies loose-head James Slipper has a big job on his hands.

Atonio played for Counties-Manukau in New Zealand in 2010 before being recruited to La Rochelle and completing the three years required residency.

5) SCOTT SPEDDING

Another member of France’s United Nations squad.

Born in Krugersdorp, South Africa, Spedding gained French citizenship in 2014 after seven years in the country.

Fullback Spedding has a massive boot and the Wallabies will have to be wary of giving away penalties from anywhere near halfway.

Spedding played for the Sharks in Super Rugby before making the move to France and turning out for Brive, Bayonne and current club Clermont.

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