FOUR NATIONS: KR's Briscoe fit for Aussie test (VIDEO)
Full-backs aren't usually the subject of tactical substitutions. but Briscoe told the Mail his withdrawal was to give St Helens' Kyle Eastmond a run-out.
In Briscoe's absence, Lee Smith moved to full-back with Eastmond slotting in at centre, where he scored in the Grand Final against Leeds.
Briscoe had been hampered with a shoulder injury towards the end of the domestic season, but he said the change was purely tactical.
"I came off just to give Kyle Eastmond a run-out," Briscoe told the Mail.
"That was all it was, there were no problems at all.
"I didn't feel the shoulder injury at all.
"I felt fine and coming off had nothing to do with my shoulder. The shoulder felt good."
Briscoe was delighted England made a winning start against a stubborn French side, who had Jean Philippe Baile sent off in the closing stages.
Although the full-back admits improvements have to be made against Australia, who will be keen to prove they are the best side in the world after losing last year's World Cup.
England struggled for periods against France, but Briscoe knows the importance of not peaking too soon in a major tournament.
"You don't win the competition in the first week," said Briscoe, who won his fourth cap for England at Doncaster on Friday.
"It's in three weeks' time at Elland Road that matters.
"The building process starts now and we have to take it week by week.
"We are still very confident of getting to Elland Road and winning."
Next up for England is the might of Australia.
It's everybody's dream to play against the country who are still considered the best in the world, even though New Zealand are the world champions.
Briscoe has added incentive to walk out at the DW Stadium on Saturday.
"The Australia game is in my home town of Wigan," said Briscoe.
"It would be great to walk out at the DW Stadium against the Aussies so I'm looking forward to that, if selected.
"It will be a good challenge for us and there is certainly belief in the camp that we can do it.
"We'll go into that game full of confidence.
"We have to beat everyone to win it so that's something we are looking at.
"Defensively we have to be strong if we are to stop the Aussies.
"They are really good with the ball in their hands and if we can defend well that will be half the battle."
Shaun Briscoe in action for England in their Four Nations' opener
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