Australia to face Ireland and France
France and Ireland will provide the first genuine tests for Australia’s new rugby coach when the Wallabies’ domestic Test programme kicks-off next year.
Australia’s busy 2008 schedule begins with a one-off Test against Ireland in Melbourne on June 14.
Then follows two Tests against RBS 6 Nations champions France on June 28 and July 5 in Sydney and Brisbane respectively.
Australia’s Tri-Nations challenge will commence against South Africa in Perth on July 19.
The Wallabies may be under the guidance of their first foreign coach next year, with New Zealander Robbie Deans the front-runner to succeed incumbent John Connolly.
Connolly, who has endured a chequered stint in charge, will step down at the end of the World Cup.
If Deans is appointed, he will face his native country three times next year.
The Bledisloe Cup will revert to a best-of-three series from 2008 following criticism the old format was weighted heavily in favour of the reigning champion.
