Australian back-rowers Paul Gallen (neck) and Anthony Watmough (head), and centre Justin Hodges (suspected broken nose) were all victims of dubious play during last Sunday's win against England, while centre Greg Inglis copped a knock on an old ankle injury.

Centres Michael Jennings and Josh Morris and halfback Cooper Cronk have yet to be given a run, while game two omissions Sam Thaiday, Ryan Hoffman and Trent Waterhouse are also set for a recall.Coach Tim Sheens has made it clear to his squad that places for the final should Australia get there by defeating France were far from decided.

''This game [against France] will have a bearing on that, because there are a number of players still in contention,'' Sheens said.

''It's not a foregone conclusion that last week's team will get an automatic start. The boys know that. There's still a game to play to decide the team that's going to play in the final.''

AAP