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Following their emphatic victory in the first Test last weekend, Australia host France at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. Join us for live scores and updates from 8:00pm AEST.
Australia’s 50-23 victory in Brisbane was built on the back of some scintillating attacking play as the Wallabies of 2014 hit the ground running.
The momentum gained from this victory needs to be maintained, but a number of injuries have forced coach Ewen McKenzie to make a few changes from last Saturday night’s successful squad.
Gone from the starting line-up through injury are Stephen Moore, Sam Carter and Wycliff Palu, with Tatafu Polata-Nau, James Horwill and Ben McCalman respectively promoted from the bench in their place.
Their bench spots have been taken by Nathan Charles, Luke Jones and Scott Higgenbotham. The only other change to the squad sees Laurie Weeks take over from Paddy Ryan as the tighthead reserve after a poor display from Ryan from the bench in Brisbane.
Watch live on TEN with expert commentators Gordon Bray and Matt Burke
With the unfortunate season-ending injury to skipper Stephen Moore, Michael Hooper has been selected to fill in for Moore during his absence. The 22-year-old will start his first Test as Wallabies captain and perhaps offers us a glimpse of the future of Australian rugby, with many suggesting he would have been captain at some point in the future.
The Wallabies must maintain the high standard of the last Test, and also to put in a full 80-minute performance after a poor last quarter to the match marred an otherwise satisfying display.
The French, however, were very disappointing during the first Test. They put in a dismal defensive effort and would have been hurting this week.
But if there is one team in world rugby that can turn around a poor performance within a week it is the French. When one considers the quality of player this squad is able to introduce to this match, you know this will be a vastly improved outfit come kickoff in Melbourne.
French coach Philippe Saint-Andre has swung the axe, making 10 changes to his starting side for this match. The most notable is the return of France’s fabulous captain Thierry Dusautoir, one of the world’s premier flankers, while Mathieu Bastareaud adds size and power to France’s midfield.
The bench inclusion of Loius Picamoles, one of the world’s best No. 8s, tells us this will be a different French team out to restore some pride in their jersey and level the series at one win apiece heading to Sydney.
This Test has all the hallmarks of an absolute classic.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.