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Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has gone big for the third Test match against France, including both Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu in the run on side.
Former captain James Horwill moves back to the bench to accommodate hulking debutant Skelton, with Ben McCalman also set to warm the pine as Palu returns to start.
Wallabies side to play France in Game 3:
1. James Slipper (vc)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Rob Simmons
5. Will Skelton
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Nic White
10. Bernard Foley
11. Nick Cummins
12. Matt Toomua
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc)
15. Israel Folau
Replacements:
16. Nathan Charles
17. Scott Sio
18. Laurie Weeks
19. James Horwill
20. Ben McCalman
21. Nick Phipps
22. Kurtley Beale
23. Rob Horne
In other changes, Brumbies prop Scott Sio may make his debut for Australia after replacing Pek Cowan on the bench for the third and final Test against France. It is a well-earned call-up for a player many thought would be included in the starting side for Game 1.
Rob Horne makes his way into the squad for Brumbies utility Pat McCabe, and should see some game time on the wing.
But the big (pun intended) inclusion is Skelton. In his strong start to the season with the Waratahs Skelton has impressed with his willingness to throw his 135 kilogram frame. He has become a combative second row forward, and makes serious impact whenever he takes the ball forward.
It may leave the Wallabies short an option in the lineout, and we should expect plenty of ball to be thrown to Simmons and Fardy as a result.
Skelton has also improved his match fitness at the Waratahs, a factor McKenzie admitted was crucial in his call-up to the Australian team:
“During the series we’ve already benefited from giving two other locks, Sam Carter and Luke Jones, their first opportunities for Australia. The experience they gained will prove invaluable in the long-run and now it’s Will’s turn to show us what he has got,” McKenzie said.
“I’ve been really impressed with his attitude and the contribution he’s made to this team since the beginning of the series. He’s obviously got impressive metrics but he also has a big motor and is particularly skillful, so we’re looking forward to seeing how he will impose himself on the game.
“He’s worked really hard over the past 12 months at the Waratahs on improving his match conditioning and we believe he is ready for the step-up to Test Rugby.”
McKenzie said it is crucial the Wallabies keep winning, and want to get to seven straight victories for the first time since 2000.
“During this stretch we’ve spoken a lot about ensuring we are meticulous with our preparation so that we put ourselves in the best possible position to play at a high level every week,” he said.
“You’re always working towards that complete game where you find the balance between your intentions in attack and an impenetrable defence, and it has been pleasing to see the squad highlight those characteristics at different points across the past six games.
“Our desire is to always play an up-tempo brand of Rugby and we’ve now scored 23 tries in the past six games, an average of almost four a game.
“Our defence has also been steadily improving with each match, culminating with a shut-out of the French in our most recent match in Melbourne.
“The challenge and what we are always aiming for is to put both together and that will be our goal when we return to afternoon Rugby in Sydney on Saturday.”
Scott Higginbotham and Luke Jones are the unlucky players to shift off the bench to accommodate Skelton and Palu, after being called up for Game 2.
What do you think Roarers? Is this team a step in the right direction?
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.