Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says it is vital his side hits the ground running on the spring tour of the northern hemisphere, claiming the first-up Test against France will set the tone for the trip.

The Australian squad on Saturday flew out from Sydney for Paris, where they will meet the French in their tour opener next weekend (Sunday, November 11 AEDT).

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.

But Deans said a strong start against the French was a must.

“The first one is key for us,” Deans said at Sydney Airport ahead of the side’s departure.

“The French have already expressed how important it is to them. We’re playing on Armistice weekend, so history suggests they will play out of their skins on that basis.

“And it’s our first outing so it’s very important that we get off to a good start.

“If we do, it will be a real fillip for the group.”

Meanwhile, Deans said he was happy to see the drama surrounding injured five-eighth Quade Cooper resolved after he was sanctioned by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) over comments he made about the Wallabies environment.

But Deans denied the whole situation had any affect on the squad’s preparations for the end-of-season Test program.

“That process happens independently from us – we’re obviously aware that it has happened,” Deans said.

“It’s good to have it concluded but, as a group, we’ve been busy preparing for the tour.”