Will Skelton to lead Australia in warm-up game against France

Will Skelton will captain Australia for the first time
©PA
Will Skelton will be leading Australia for the first time as they face home side France in the final warm-up game in Paris ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Skelton will come into the second row at the expense of Nick Frost as he joins Richie Arnold. Angus Flower returns from a foot injury to be part of the front row that also sees Taniela Tupou returning at the expense of Pone Fa’amausili.

While the back row sees no change, Carter Gordon retains his place at fly-half forming half back partnership with Tate McDermott.

Suliasi Vunivalu will play his second Test of the year at left wing joining Mark Nawaqanitawase at right. Lalakai Foketi will make his first appearance of the year as he joins Jordan Petaia at midfield with Andrew Kellaway continuing his place at fullback.

Blake Schoupp and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa are set to make their debut when they come off the bench.

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

“To play against the tournament hosts in front of a massive crowd at the venue for the (World Cup) final is perfect preparation for us.

“We’ve had an impressive preparation 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.”

Australia line up: 15-Andrew Kellaway, 14-Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13-Jordan Petaia, 12-Lalakai Foketi, 11-Suliasi Vunivalu, 10-Carter Gordon, 9-Tate McDermott, 8-Rob Valetini, 7-Fraser McReight, 6-Tom Hooper, 5-Will Skelton, 4-Richie Arnold, 3-Taniela Tupou, 2-David Porecki, 1-Angus Bell

Reserves: 16-Matt Faessler, 17-Blake Schoupp, 18-Zane Nonggorr, 19-Matt Philip, 20-Rob Leota, 21-Langi Gleeson, 22-Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23-Ben Donaldson.

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