4 Nov 2012

Deans prepares for France without "toxic" Cooper

4:10 pm on 4 November 2012

TheWallabies coach Robbie Deans says it's vital his side hits the ground running on the spring tour of the northern hemisphere by claiming the first-up Test against France.

The Australian squad have flown to Paris where they will meet the French in their tour opener next weekend.

Fresh from a morale-boosting draw against the All Blacks last month, the Wallabies have high hopes for their trip, which will also include Tests against England, Italy and Wales.

Deans says he is happy to see the drama surrounding the injured five-eighth Quade Cooper resolved after he was sanctioned by the Australian Rugby Union over comments he made about the Wallabies environment being toxic.