If you want to stop the Wallabies from beating their chests, you just mention two Test locations - Auckland and Johannesburg.

That has a way of quelling their excitement, and for good reason, because in both those cities this season they showed their inability to build momentum or to back up and play two good internationals in a row.

Their 34-19 Sydney triumph over the All Blacks was followed seven days later with a 29-point belting at Eden Park. It was even worse in South Africa. After achieving in Durban their first win on Springbok soil for eight years, it was followed a week later at Ellis Park with their biggest loss - a 53-8 humiliation.

Will it be the same scenario third time running when they meet France at Stade de France on Sunday morning Sydney time? The Wallabies are adamant they have learnt their lesson, have built up their resistance and, despite all the excitement of beating England at Twickenham last weekend, are convinced they will not slacken off.

But doubts remain. The Wallabies are good talkers but have often failed to match the big statements on the playing field, while no one, including the French, know exactly what the home team will do against the Australians.

That's the problem with confronting the French. They are so unpredictable. So hot and cold. But when they get it together they can beat anyone.

The mail around the French camp is that the team is going through a rebuilding stage, relying on a lot of youngsters, and their pack lacks its usual menace. The locals believe Australia should win, but that is when the Wallabies tend to fall short. If the opposition is perceived to be vulnerable, standards often drop within the Australian team. Shortcuts are taken.

But captain Stirling Mortlock said after the team's final training run, they were mindful of Auckland and Johannesburg, and did not want to waste what they had achieved against England. "The opportunity is there for us to start forming a habit," Mortlock said. "Obviously, this year we have struggled to back up, and everyone in the team is fully aware of that. We spoke about it before the tour, and we want to put down solid efforts consistently."

One good sign is that during the past two Tests, the Wallabies rallied from difficult positions. Against Italy in Padova, Australia fought back from a 11-14 deficit in the first half and, late in the game, advanced from a 20-all deadlock. England led 14-12 until the Wallabies dominated the final quarter of that Test, scoring the last 16 points.

"The belief in this team is strong," Mortlock said. "The intent and work rate of the group is good as well, and that helps in the times when you are behind on the scoreboard. When you are in that situation a number of times, and you do find ways to win, that's always pleasing. There has been growth in that area.

"We have always known that this will be a significantly challenging tour, because every week you have another big Test in front of you, and this week it is France at Stade de France.

"It is a unique venue, while they are an extremely passionate nation, and to play them at home is a tough ask. But it is one everyone is up for. All the signs are right."

Mortlock knows what it takes to win in Paris, being one of three survivors of the 2000 Wallabies line-up that last won at the Stade de France. George Smith was in the back row, while the halfback was Sam Cordingley, playing his first Test.

As a tribute to the 32-year-old Cordingley, who this time around is on the bench, Wallabies management have given him the honour of presenting the jerseys to the players before the Test. This honour is usually given to past Wallabies, but the team wanted to make the moment Cordingley's.

His days as a Wallaby will end at the completion of the tour, when he goes to Grenoble to join the French club competition.

"Presenting the jerseys will be great, but I did say to [Wallabies manager] Phil Thomson that I will be the only classic Wallaby still playing," Cordingley said. "It says something about my age, but I am really looking forward to it. I've now just got to make sure I say the right thing. I'll do my speech off the cuff, otherwise I'll stuff it up."

There is a chance Cordingley could get more game time than first anticipated. Half Luke Burgess is believed to have the flu.