RUGBY DIGEST: AUSTRALIA COACH Robbie Deans has warned his players against underestimating the France team for this weekend's second Test in Brisbane.

The Wallabies thrashed a below-strength France 34-13 in Sydney last weekend and are overwhelming favourites to wrap up the two-match series on Saturday.

A majority of France's first-choice players were unavailable for the tour because it clashed with the national club playoffs but Deans said his own players had to be careful not to take their opponents too lightly.

"They are going to rebound - that's the nature of the French; they are never down for long," Deans told reporters yesterday.

"They won't have enjoyed the first outing and they'll want to finish the season and finish the tour on a good note."

France have made wholesale changes to the team that lost the opening match but Australia's assistant coach Jim Williams questioned some of the selections.

Williams was especially surprised Sébastien Chabal was picked at lock because he thought the Sale forward was better suited to playing at number eight.

"That is a little bit surprising because that's where he (Chabal) makes most impact," Williams said.

"He's a little bit looser and he gets around the park more and has lot more impact, especially with the ball running.

"He's a backrower by heart. He's a lazy scrummager to tell you the truth from first-hand experience."

 Williams may miss opener

ALL BLACKS lock Ali Williams remains doubtful for tomorrow's Tri-Nations series opener against South Africa because of a niggling ankle injury.

Williams has been unable to join team-mates in full training since hurting the ankle during last month's second Test win over England.

But he took part in lineout practice yesterday and remains hopeful of playing in Wellington this weekend.

"Obviously there's still doubt," he told reporters. We'll see what happens."

Losing Williams would be a massive blow to the All Blacks after their captain Richie McCaw was also sidelined with an ankle problem.

While Williams has played 49 Tests, his standby, Anthony Boric, has made just two appearances and would expect a torrid work-out from a South African pack that won the World Cup last year.

"It's put a lot of pressure on the younger guys, especially Anthony Boric," said loose forward Jerome Kaino, who was called in to replace McCaw.

"With Ali sitting out training the last couple of days, it's put a lot of focus on the younger guys to just step up and take charge of the lineout.

"With Ali stepping back into the lineout today, everyone just slotted into their place."

Wasps hold on  to coach Holden

WASPS FORWARDS coach Leon Holden has signed a new three-year contract with the English Premiership champions.

Holden coached in New Zealand and Japan before joining Wasps in 2005, and he accepted his current role in December last year. He will continue to work alongside director of rugby Ian McGeechan and head coach Shaun Edwards. The club have named Huw Davies as head of strength and conditioning.