La Rochelle lock Will Skelton will captain Australia for the first time in this weekend’s Rugby World Cup warm-up with hosts France, Rugby Australia announced on Friday.
Skelton was picked as Eddie Jones’ captain for the tournament with experienced flanker Michael Hooper omitted from the squad.
The 31-year-old will partner fellow France-based second-row, Toulouse’s Richie Arnold, for Sunday’s game at the Stade de France.
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Skelton is one of four changes in the starting lineup from the loss to New Zealand on August 5.
Suliasi Vunivalu has another chance to push for a regular role in the Wallabies side after being named in Australia’s team.
The former Melbourne Storm NRL-premiership winger will line-up for just his third Test, having been recalled to Wallabies backline missing seemingly certain World Cup starters Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi.
“We’ve had an impressive preparation for the Rugby World Cup this week,” Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said.
“Improving our physical capacity has been a priority and our rugby fitness is rapidly improving and we will look to use it against France.
“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.”
Australia open their World Cup campaign against Georgia on September 9 before also playing Fiji, Wales and Portugal in Pool C.
Australia (15-1): Andrew Kellaway; Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Lalakai Foketi, Suliasi Vunivalu; Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper; Will Skelton, Richie Arnold; Taniela Tupou, David Porecki, Angus Bell Replacements: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Philip, Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson
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