Coach Joe Schmidt has to make late changes to the Wallabies team after fly-half Carter Gordon and hooker Billy Pollard fail fitness tests in the lead up to the match against France in Paris.

Prop Angus Bell and inside centre Len Ikitau [pictured] will play their 50th Tests for the Wallabies on Saturday night against France in Paris.

Bell made his Wallabies debut in 2020, with the 25-year-old set to combine with hooker Matt Faessler and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou in the starting front row.

Ikitau’s first Test came in 2021 against France in Melbourne, with this year’s John Eales Medallist named to partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield at State de France.

Lock Nick Frost comes back after missing last week’s defeat to Italy for the Wallabies’ final Test of 2025, selected alongside Jeremy Williams in a familiar run on second row. 

Tane Edmed and Matt Faessler start, following injuries ruling out Carter Gordon and Billy Pollard, with Josh Nasser and Hamish Stewart coming onto the bench.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is set to blood Queensland Reds scrum half Kalani Thomas against France. Thomas has been named on the bench for the clash at Stade de France, with Jake Gordon retaining his spot in the starting side.

Wiradjuri man Dylan Pietsch has been selected on the left wing, with Harry Potter to line up on the right edge. Max Jorgensen will play fullback for the second straight week.

Aidan Ross joins the experienced Allan Alaalatoa as the substitute props, with Rob Valetini and Carlo Tizzano to add impact as the remaining forward cover. Pietsch’s recall sees Filipo Daugunu return to the bench.

Tom Hooper moves from lock to blindside flanker and Rob Valetini to the bench.

Angus Bell will stay in Europe to join up with URC side Ulster as part of his sabbatical, as will Taniela Tupou, who will link up with French side Racing 92.

“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.”

Wallabies team to play France at Stade de France in Paris 

1. Angus Bell (49 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club 

2. Matt Faessler (17 Tests) – #969; USQ Saints  

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. Tane Edmed (8 Tests) – #990; West Harbour Juniors 

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 

Replacments

16. Josh Nasser (10 Tests) – #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)

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. Hamish Stewart (4 Tests) – #986; Toowoomba Bears

23. Filipo Daugunu (19 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs