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Eleven changes made to Wallabies side - Godwin to debut, Pocock skipper

17th November, 2016
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17th November, 2016
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Some significant changes have been made to the Wallabies side to play France this weekend, after the Australians escaped with just a one-point win against Scotland in their last fixture.

Kyle Godwin has been called up to make his Wallaby debut, the 13th debutant of the year for Australia, and as Australia’s starting No.12 no less – replacing Reece Hodge.

“I’ve been impressed with him from day one,” Cheika said of Godwin.

“He’s a player (France) won’t know either so it’s something different for them to look at.”

Stephen Moore has been moved to the bench and in his absence from the starters David Pocock will captain the side for the first time since 2012. Pocock has also been shifted to the No.7 jumper after playing the last two Tests at No.6.

Pocock is one of only four starters from last week’s match to be retained in the starting side this week, with Will Genia, Henry Speight and Tevita Kuridrani the others.

James Slipper, Tolu Latu, Allan Ala’alatoa, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Sean McMahon, Quade Cooper, Godwin, Sefania Naivalu and Luke Morahan are the eleven inclusions.

The changes will allow the Wallabies to give a rest to many of their key players ahead of upcoming Tests against Ireland and England, albeit at the likely cost of reduced competitiveness against the French.

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However despite the lack of experience, especially among the front row, Cheika said no one was being ‘gifted’ a game.

“You don’t give away a starting jersey for Australia lightly,” Cheika said.

“We’ve said that we want to give lads experience and Allan hasn’t started or been in this type of firestorm before.

“I wanted to try to get a blend of (youth and experience). I don’t just want to go, ‘here you go young guys, have a game.'”

“I want to give them the opportunity to play with experienced players.”

Kyle Godwin Western Force Rugby Union 2016

Wallabies side to play France
1. James Slipper (83 Tests)
2. Tolu Latu (1 Test)
3. Allan Ala’alatoa (7 Tests)
4. Kane Douglas (28 Tests)
5. Rob Simmons (68 Tests)
6. Scott Fardy (38 Tests)
7. David Pocock (c) (63 Tests)
8. Sean McMahon (12 Tests)
9. Will Genia (vc) (73 Tests)
10. Quade Cooper (65 Tests)
11. Henry Speight (8 Tests)
12. Kyle Godwin (uncapped)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (42 Tests)
14. Sefanaia Naivalu (3 Tests)
15. Luke Morahan (2 Tests)

Reserves (one to be omitted)
Stephen Moore (c) (114 Tests)
Scott Sio (27 Tests)
Tom Robertson (5 Tests)
Will Skelton (17 Tests)
Dean Mumm (54 Tests)
Lopeti Timani (5 Tests)
Nick Phipps (50 Tests)
Bernard Foley (39 Tests)
Taqele Naiyaravoro (2 Tests)

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