Cheika hopes consistency in the team line-up will help fast-track the game plan adjustments he's making as he prepares for just his second Test as Wallabies coach.

Cheika is also keeping his players on their toes, delaying naming his bench players to add an extra edge to training in Paris this week.

Playmaker Quade Cooper will get his chance from the bench after being dropped out of the game day squad against Wales last week while James Horwill gets an opportunity to start.

The Wallabies have conceded nine tries in two games – against the Barbarians and Wales – under Cheika's guidance.

But far from panicking, Cheika said the defensive system would hold up to the pressure from France.

"It's normal for a team that's had a change in system and it's been difficult to get united because so much has been going on … defence is a real symbol for how we're going as a team," Cheika said.

"I know we've made mistakes and let in a few tries … but I've liked the way we've done it because we're trying to go to the new system.

"It's more aggressive and front-foot. You can't change a defensive system and not have problems with it, I'm prepared to let a few in if it means getting our system better and rock solid."

The Test at Stade de France will have an extra edge for Cheika, who coached in Paris for two years with Stade Francais.

The French team is a shell of the line-up coach Philippe Saint-Andre used in a 3-0 series defeat to Australia earlier this year.

France has lost nine of the past 11 Tests against Australia, but Cheika warned his side to prepare for a massive challenge.

Cheika identified shutting down rookie winger Teddy Thomas early to nullify his influence while Camille Lopez allows France to rotate their game plan.

"They're going to flick between two types of games so we need to keep our pressure on the defensive line," Cheika said.

Horwill wants to "repay the faith" in his selection after starting in just two Tests this year.

"Any time you get a start it's an opportunity, I'm very excited about what's ahead. Any time you run out you've got to stamp your mark on your jersey and do everything you can get us the win," Horwill said.

"It's a big opportunity and hopefully I can repay the faith."

Prop Benn Robinson gets his chance on the bench and Cheika said players in the squad would get chances to impress in the remaining two Tests as he gets to know new combinations.

"[Horwill] did well in a pressure situation last week, there are going to be opportunities given to lads throughout the tour. It's going to be up to guys to take the opportunity and this is one for James," Cheika said.

AUSTRALIA v FRANCE

WALLABIES TEAM: 1. James Slipper, 2. Saia Fainga'a, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. James Horwill, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Sean McMahon, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Ben McCalman, 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Joseph Tomane, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 15. Israel Folau. Reserves: 16. James Hanson, 17. Benn Robinson, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. Will Skelton, 20. Matt Hodgson, 21. Will Genia, 22. Quade Cooper, 23. Rob Horne.

FRANCE TEAM: 1. Alexandre Menini, 2. Guilhem Guirado, 3. Nicolas Mas, 4. Pascal Pape, 5. Yoann Maestri, 6. Thierry Dusautoir, 7. Bernard Le Roux, 8. Damien Chouly, 9. Sebastien Tillous-Borde, 10. Camille Lopez, 11. Teddy Thomas, 12. Wesley Fofana, 13. Alexandre Dumoulin, 14. Yoann Huget, 15. Scott Spedding. Reserves: Benjamin Kayser, Uini Antonio, Xavier Chiocci, Alexandre Flanquart, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Yannick Nyanga, Charles Ollivon, Rory Kockott, Remi Tales, Mathieu Bastareaud, Maxime Mermoz, Maxime Medard (4 to be omitted)