You feel the marketeers might not appreciate such an honest appraisal from Wallabies mentor Robbie Deans.
With Suncorp Stadium readying to host the first of its two 2008 Test matches this Saturday against France, Deans closed his final pre-match press call with a rather glum forecast.
"It will be a battle of wills before a battle of wits probably," he predicted.
Deans said he expected the clash - which rates a clear second on the weekend's rugby menu behind the opening Tri Nations meeting between New Zealand and South Africa - to be "different", although his tone might have been interpreted as one of hope rather than expectation.
The new look French, those gathered were reminded more than once, were coming to the end of a long international schedule and would want to avoid heading into their holidays stewing over a tour which yielded very little.
While a second-half resurgence saved Australia's blushes a week ago at ANZ Stadium, the 34-13 scoreline reflected badly on France too.
"They have a sense of annoyance about their first experience. And you've only got to look at history to see how French teams respond under that circumstance," Deans said.
Australia's intentions will be to quickly erase last week's sluggish opening, but they are anticipating a brutal barrage from Marc Lievremont's revamped line-up. The Les Bleus coach has made a staggering seven personnel changes to the French side which capitulated in Sydney, including the promotion of younger brother Matthew, a flanker.
The visitors will also mix up their combinations and have a five-two split in favour of the forwards on their bench.
"They've indicated they're going to be pretty physical," Deans said.
"It's pretty evident I think that they didn't enjoy the first outing. They will come out and be really physical and aggressive and challenge us there first before anywhere else."
Captain Stirling Mortlock agreed: "We've got a mindset that France are going to come out tomorrow night with nothing to lose and try to dominate us physically. The challenge for us is to match that intensity from the beginning."
Of Australia's changes it was easy to spot which newcomer was most excited at getting the nod in the first XV at this morning's final training run at Suncorp.
Deans conceded Lachie Turner - a replacement for injured Waratahs team-mate Lote Tuqiri - was jumping out of skin to make his international debut after a whirlwind 12 months, to the extent the 21-year-old would have a tough time controlling his own emotions.
Turner has been joined by run-on debutant Dean Mumm after 66-Test veteran Nathan Sharpe was ruled out yesterday when he pulled a groin muscle at training.
Not only will Auckland-born Mumm partner three-Test Queensland Reds lock James Horwill in the most inexperienced second row combination for 20 seasons, he's been handed the extra responsibility of calling the line-outs in Sharpe's absence.
Deans, however, maintained his faith in Mumm and Turner, and remained unmoved by claims the French pack would attack the newcomers.
"They may target blokes who they feel haven't been around for long. But one thing you can be sure of is the enthusiasm levels of the blokes who have been here for the least time will be highest," he said.
Deans, meanwhile, said the feedback on Sharpe's muscle strain was "not grave".
"The indication is that it won't be an issue going forward," he added.