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?
pick & go..!!
Guest
Peter Hughes, watch the test mate... Palu proved why he is Australia's best #8 tonight.
BuckofromsameplaceasAMcCullough
Guest
No Higgers or Jones? That is a tad unlucky. Higgers played well in the second game and is in good form for the rebels. he should be captain of this Aus team
Hertryk
Guest
Campari & Tonic anyone :) :)
Hertryk
Guest
Ditto :)
MARTO
Guest
Jack maaate...When the REDS were the Dominant AUSSIE team from 2011 to 2013 & kept beating the TAHS the ARU still instructed DINGO to pick more TAHS then REDS, so your feeble argument is invalid & FOS is correct as always..
Peter Hughes
Roar Rookie
Once again there's one HUGE weakness in this Wallabies team. PALU. Seems people will never learn Mr Invisible is a useless passenger in every Test. Otherwise a pretty good team imo :)
AndrewWA
Guest
You don't have to be a rabid Force fan to appreciate the form No 7 in Australian rugby. Hodgson's chances of getting another Test cap were doomed as soon as Hooper was made Captain. I just hope that Link can get Hooper to play at No 7 or work on his skill set so that he can do No 12 or No 13 justice (which is where he tends to spend most of his time).
Marshy
Guest
Hornes certainly quicker now he's dropped that terrible beard.
snowman
Guest
What about Irish?
Anthony Hird
Roar Guru
I can't see too many more changes. The WC is only a yr away. I think EM will try to lock combinations away and blood youth.
Anthony Hird
Roar Guru
I can't see too many more changes. The WC is only a yr away. I think EM will try to lock combinations away and blood youth.
Anthony Hird
Roar Guru
Slow? Read Max Powers statement.
slagger knocker
Guest
It's time to put les balles on the line.
Squirrel
Guest
Horwill can relax I don't think so. He has played his last test, Skelton will cement his spot in the side. We have to get serious and throw dead wood aside, the World Cup is not that far out.
gaxman
Guest
Hi guys, Great to see Skelton get a run. About time. Will be keen to see what he can do. Also a name nobody has mentioned here and I read that he is coming back next year, that is Ita Vaea (hope I spelt it right) he was starting to look really good before that horrible thing happened to him. More of a 6 but maybe an option if his health and form come good. We are starting to build some good depth too. I think the back-up for Toomua should be Godwin when he is fit. People have said he has been quiet this year but I don't see it that way. He is very solid in D. The thing I most like about him is his decision making. IMO he always makes the right decision at the right time. Sias has been feeling the pressure with him out. I have no doubt he will be a future wallaby. anyway that's my two cents.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Yeah chuck Fotu on the bench, what has happened to him. Have not seen much of him but love his toughness
RobC
Roar Guru
Selection looks good. More interested about how they perform, adapt. They will add another handy 20kg to the pack. Im hoping the halves + 12 have a turnaround performance, esp 9 I suspect the French will make a point to have a more composed attack, retain possession and create pressure for WB 2nd line / scramble defence.
Ozrugbynut
Guest
Wish we had a potgieter in oz rugby. Brings a lot to the tahs with his energy and physicality.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Pocock, Moore, Genia and Cooper would be certain starters if they were fit and the game mattered. Skelton is just an experiment at this stage. I hope the big fella goes well. So that really only leaves Kepu, Palu, AAC and Folau as starters. Hardly a Tah domination.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Horne is strong but really slow. The French wingers will cut him up.