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Injuries have forced Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie to make a number of changes to the match-day 23 that dominated France in Game 1 of the three-Test series.
Most notable is the reinstatement of James Horwill to the starting side for his 50th Test cap – another point of interest in the locks’ Wallabies career to date.
Wallabies side to play France in game two:
15. Israel Folau
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
13. Tevita Kuridrani
12. Matt Toomua
11. Nick Cummins
10. Bernard Foley
9. Nic White
8. Ben McCalman
7. Michael Hooper (c)
6. Scott Fardy
5. James Horwill
4. Rob Simmons
3. Sekope Kepu
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
1. James Slipper.
Replacements: 16. Nathan Charles, 17. Pek Cowan, 18. Laurie Weeks, 19. Luke Jones, 20. Scott Higginbotham, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Kurtley Beale, 23. Pat McCabe.
Among the changes are Ben McCalman moving to number 8 for Wycliff Palu who has been left out from the match-day 23, with Wallabies staff taking a cautious approach to an ankle injury. Polota-Nau has also replaced injured skipper Stephen Moore, with impressive flanker Michael Hooper taking over as captain.
While McKenzie was impressed with his side’s performance against France, he was cautious of ruling out the famously erratic side in the second Test.
“France is one of the few one teams in the world who can make a lot of changes and still turn things around quickly in one week. They never stay down for long and will be using the disappointment of the opening Test to motivate them for the second game,” McKenzie said.
“We were pleased with our performance on a short preparation but we understand that we must improve if we’re going to match a reinvigorated and desperate French line-up on Saturday night.”
Horwill comes in for the injured Sam Carter, who impressed fans and selectors on his debut.
Three debutants, Nathan Charles (Western Force), Laurie Weeks and Luke Jones (both Melbourne Rebels), have been selected for the match day 23, with Charles to cover the hooker position given the injury to Moore.
McKenzie singled out Horwill on his achievement: “A special mention must be made of James, who plays his milestone 50th game for Australia this week. I’ve seen the many contributions he’s made to Rugby in this country over a long period and I couldn’t be more pleased to be part of his milestone game on Saturday night.”
He also praised new debutants on their selection in the match-day 23.
“Congratulations also to our three potential debutants. It’s a huge honour to represent your country and if they get an opportunity from the bench I know they will do this team proud.”
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.