Skelton to captain refreshed Wallabies in final warm-up against France

Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 7:27 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies travelled to Paris to face France in their second Spring Tour game of the 2022 campaign.

Eddie Jones has named his side to face France on August 28 (AEST), with lock Will Skelton set to become the 87th captain in Wallabies history

It will shape as their last match before the Rugby World Cup, with the La Rochelle lock leading a largely inexperienced side against the World Cup hosts.

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There are just 258 Test caps in the starting XV, with Blake Schoupp and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa in line to make their debuts off the bench.

Jones has kept a relatively consistent forward pack to the second Bledisloe Test, with Taniela Tupou returning from a rib injury as the most capped player in the side with 48 appearances.

Skelton re-takes his place in the starting side alongside Richie Arnold, with the back-row of Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini unchanged.

Suliasi Vunivalu is the most notable change in the backs, starting on the wing along with Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Lalakai Foketi starts in his first Test of 2023, with Samu Kerevi (hand) on the sidelines for this game.

Schoupp and Fines-Leleiwasa headline the finishers, with the Brumby joined by Reds duo Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr.

Waratah Langi Gleeson has been included for his first Test of the year, with Matt Philip and Rob Leota completing the six forwards on the bench.

Fines-Leleiwasa and Donaldson are the two backs covering the bench, with Jones eager to test their 'Rugby fitness.'

“We’ve had an impressive preparation for the Rugby World Cup this week. Improving our physical capacity has been a priority and our Rugby fitness is rapidly improving and we will look to use it against France," Jones said.

“To play against the tournament hosts in front of a massive crowd at the venue for the Final is perfect preparation for us.

“We are a young side, who is ambitious and in the process of developing our game.”

Wallabies team to play France at Stade de France, Paris on Sunday 27 August, 5:45pm CET/1:45am AEST

1 Angus Bell (23 Tests)

2. David Porecki (14 Tests)

3. Taniela Tupou (48 Tests)

4. Richie Arnold (4 Tests)

5. Will Skelton (c) (28 Tests)

6. Tom Hooper (3 Tests)

7. Fraser McReight (12 Tests)

8. Rob Valetini (34 Tests)

9. Tate McDermott (vc) (25 Tests)

10. Carter Gordon (4 Tests)

11. Suliasi Vunivalu (2 Tests)

12. Lalakai Foketi (5 Tests)

13. Jordan Petaia (27 Tests)

14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (6 Tests)

15. Andrew Kellaway (23 Tests)

 Finishers

16. Matt Faessler (1 Test)

17. Blake Schoupp*

18. Zane Nonggorr (2 Tests)

19. Matt Philip (28 Tests)

20. Rob Leota (16 Tests)

21. Langi Gleeson (3 Tests)

22. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa*

23. Ben Donaldson (2 Tests)

*denotes uncapped

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