France will play against Lebanon in their World Cup opener in Canberra on Sunday, putting Cologni's youngsters up against Robbie Farah, Tim Mannah and Mitchell Moses.

Cologni and skipper Theo Fages forme the youngest coach-captain duo in the tournament, but insist a lack of experience will not be an excuse.

But their job will be made even harder with group matches against Lebanon, Australia and England.

France are one of the only teams in the competition with no links to the NRL, but the coaching staff are hopeful Australian great Andrew Johns will join the camp in Canberra this week.

"There are two [ways of looking at it]. You can have an experienced team and get control of the game, but we chose to come with young players," Cologni said.

"A lot of players have got selection and maybe we think it will be difficult for them or they will be stressed, but that's not the case.

"They are proud to be there. They are proud to be playing in Australia and it's an honour for them. WE will prepare them mentally to play the best game possible."

The clash against Lebanon will take on extra significance given it's unlikely either side will beat Australia or England.

The French side are preparing for a mini final, with the winner of the opening-round clash set to advance to the quarter finals and secure a berth for the next World Cup.

"We know this is like a final for us," Cologni said.

"Lebanon will have the same objective as us - win the first game. It's going to be a tough game ... I've got a young squad but they can give a lot of energy and a lot of spirit."

Johns and Jim Dymock were helping the French side prepare for the tournament before the squad relocated to Canberra earlier this week.

The players took a day off training on Tuesday to visit the National Zoo and Aquarium before turning their focus to playing against Lebanon.

Former Queanbeyan Kangaroo Travis Robinson will start on the wing for Lebanon, while Moses and Farah will team up in the halves.

Fages, 23, will lead the French side and is confident his team can be a tournament surprise packet.

St Helens playmaker Fages will start at five-eighth while Australian-born Mark Kheirallah will be France's fullback.

"We've got to do it for everyone in France. We want to qualify, we've got to perform," Fages said.

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP

Sunday: France v Lebanon at Canberra Stadium, 4pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

November 3: Australia v France at Canberra Stadium, 8pm.

November 10: Fiji v Italy at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.