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The Wallabies have made eight changes for the third and deciding Test against France in Brisbane on Saturday night including a fresh faced line up at the base of the scrum.
Reds player Tate McDermott gets his chance in the starting side while Lachlan Swinton has also been brought onto the run-on team with coach Dave Rennie mindful of the short turnaround. Rennie has stood by Jake Gordon who remains in the team as the replacement scrumhalf.
Between them, scrum half Tate McDermott (4), flyhalf Noah Lolesio (4), and centres Hunter Paisami (8) and Len Ikitau (1) have played just 17 Tests, as Matta To’omua dropped to the bench and Paisami moved from outside centre next to Lolesio.
Once again there is no sign of James O’Connor who misses out. Rennie confirmed the reason is a troublesome groin injury.
“James tweaked his groin on game day. It’s not quite as bad as we first thought. We’ll get clarity but hopefully, he will be back for the All Blacks.” Rennie said.
Other interesting news to come out of the team selection is Isi Naisarani starting at no.8, while Filipo Daugunu will play his first Test of the year on the right-wing.
With the French side out muscling the Wallabies in the scrum, Allan Alaalatoa has been recalled as the starting tighthead prop for the match at Suncorp Stadium. He’ll have the task of stopping the French power and making metres for his side alongside James Slipper who along with Brandon Paenga-Amosa will need a well-earned rest after playing in the front row in all three Tests.
“We always knew with the scheduling of the series against a tough French side, that it would require a full squad effort and we’re going to see that on Saturday night,” Rennie said.
“We were disappointed with the result in Melbourne and we’ll be out to rectify that with more accuracy and composure in key moments at Suncorp Stadium.
“As always, we’ve picked a team that has earned the right to wear the gold jersey and we’re confident they’ll get the job done in Brisbane.”
Wallabies team for third Test vs France
1. James Slipper
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Darcy Swain
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Tate McDermott
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Len Ikitau
14. Filipo Daugunu
15. Tom Banks
Replacements
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Angus Bell
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Matt Philip
20. Rob Valetini
21. Jake Gordon
22. Matt To’omua
23. Reece Hodge
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.