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.<\/p>\n
Prop Angus Bell and inside centre Len Ikitau [pictured] will play their 50th Tests for the Wallabies on Saturday night against France in Paris.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ikitau\u2019s first Test came in 2021 against France in Melbourne, with this year\u2019s John Eales Medallist named to partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield at State de France.<\/p>\n
Lock Nick Frost comes back after missing last week\u2019s defeat to Italy\u00a0for the Wallabies\u2019 final Test of 2025, selected alongside Jeremy Williams in a familiar run on second row.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0Pietsch\u2019s recall sees Filipo Daugunu return to the bench.<\/p>\n
Tom Hooper moves from lock to blindside flanker and Rob Valetini to the bench.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve tried to freshen things up during the week after what\u2019s been a dense and challenging Tour so far,” Schmidt said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe players have looked to prepare well and they’re eager to finish their season with a positive performance against one of the world\u2019s best teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wallabies team to play France at Stade de France in Paris\u00a0<\/p>\n
1. Angus Bell (49 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club\u00a0<\/p>\n
2. Matt Faessler (17 Tests) – #969; USQ Saints \u00a0<\/p>\n
3. Taniela Tupou (67 Tests) – #917; Brothers Rugby\u00a0<\/p>\n
4. Jeremy Williams (24 Tests) \u2013 #973; Wahroonga Tigers\u00a0<\/p>\n
5. Nick Frost (37 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions\u00a0<\/p>\n
6. Tom Hooper (21 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs\u00a0<\/p>\n
7. Fraser McReight (38 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies\u00a0<\/p>\n
8. Harry Wilson (c) (35 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils\u00a0<\/p>\n
9. Jake Gordon (36 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors\u00a0<\/p>\n
10. Tane Edmed (8 Tests) – #990; West Harbour Juniors\u00a0<\/p>\n
11. Dylan Pietsch (8 Tests) – #978; Leeton Phantoms\u00a0<\/p>\n
12. Len Ikitau (49 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings \u00a0<\/p>\n
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (17 Tests) – #988; The Kings School\u00a0<\/p>\n
14. Harry Potter (10 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams\u00a0<\/p>\n
15. Max Jorgensen (19 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves\u00a0<\/p>\n
Replacments<\/p>\n
16. Josh Nasser (10 Tests) – #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)<\/p>\n
17. Aidan Ross (2 Tests) – #994; Bond University\u00a0<\/p>\n
18. Allan Alaalatoa (87 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors\u00a0<\/p>\n
19. Rob Valetini (61 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Rugby Club\u00a0<\/p>\n
20. Carlo Tizzano (13 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia\u00a0<\/p>\n
21. Kalani Thomas* – uncapped; Springfield Hawks\u00a0<\/p>\n
22. Hamish Stewart (4 Tests) – #986; Toowoomba Bears<\/p>\n
23. Filipo Daugunu (19 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs \u00a0\u00a0
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