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No-shows from England and France in our Six Nations team of the week
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Winless Wallabies change 5 for France with RWC dreams on the line
By Josh Raisey
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has made five changes to his Wallabies side for their final match of the year against France.
Australia have lost all three matches in their Quilter Nations Series campaign so far, against England, Italy and Ireland, which has seen them slip to seventh in the world rankings. However, a win by a margin of over 16 points at the Stade de France would see them displace Fabien Galthie’s side in the top six, and earn a Band 1 seeding for the 2027 World Cup draw next month.
Though a formidable task, Schmidt has turned to some stalwarts of Australian rugby for the match, including a recall for Taniela Tupou, who missed the loss to Ireland.
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Tupou is one of three changes to the pack, with Billy Pollard starting at hooker in place of Matt Faessler, and Nick Frost starting in the second-row, bumping Tom Hooper to the back-row and Rob Valetini to the bench.
The two changes in the back line see Carter Gordon return to start at No.10, and Dylan Pietsch start on the wing instead of Filipo Daugunu.
“We’ve tried to freshen things up during the week after what’s been a dense and challenging Tour so far,” Schmidt said.
“The players have looked to prepare well and they’re eager to finish their season with a positive performance against one of the world’s best teams.”
Australia XV
1. Angus Bell (49 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Billy Pollard (20 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby
3. Taniela Tupou (67 Tests) – #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Jeremy Williams (24 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Nick Frost (37 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
6. Tom Hooper (21 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
7. Fraser McReight (38 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (35 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (36 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Carter Gordon (9 Tests) – #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School
11. Dylan Pietsch (8 Tests) – #978; Leeton Phantoms
12. Len Ikitau (49 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (17 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Harry Potter (10 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
15. Max Jorgensen (19 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
Replacements
16. Matt Faessler (17 Tests) – #969; USQ Saints
17. Aidan Ross (2 Tests) – #994; Bond University
18. Allan Alaalatoa (87 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
19. Rob Valetini (61 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
20. Carlo Tizzano (13 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Kalani Thomas* – uncapped; Springfield Hawks
22. Tane Edmed (8 Tests) – #990; West Harbour Juniors
23. Filipo Daugunu (19 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs
