Australia head into their final test of a disappointing year against France after a light week on the training track, with frustrated coach Joe Schmidt lamenting his squad's physical and mental fatigue. The Wallabies are winless on the season-ending tour in Europe following defeats by England, Italy and Ireland, and face a huge challenge to rebound against the Six Nations champions in Paris on Saturday.

Following the brutal 46-19 loss to Ireland in Dublin, Schmidt said tiredness was no excuse for Australia's performance. But on Thursday he changed his tune, saying he had given the squad Monday off to recuperate ahead of their 15th test of 2025.

"We try to cut our cloth to how people are feeling, and you cannot flog a dead horse," Schmidt told reporters. "And I've never, ever been in a te

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