Brisbane (Australia) (AFP)
Australian opener James O'Connor will not play the rejuvenated France XV tour opener against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Wednesday, but Matt To'omua, who had been shot in the neck, was declared good for the service.
O'Connor, with a groin injury, tried everything but one last try convinced coach Dave Rennie he wasn't ready.
He will be replaced with jersey number 10 by Noah Lolesio of the Brumbies.
His forfeit is in addition to that of scrum half Nic White for all three matches.
His post will be occupied Wednesday by Jake Gordon, very prominent this season with the NSW Waratahs and preferred to Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds).
The good news for the Wallabies is the return of To'omua as a three-quarter center, alongside Hunter Paisami.
Up front, mainstay James Slipper will play his 101st international match, while captain Michael Hooper, in the 3rd row, will get his 106th cape after a stay in Japan.
Four new children will be on the bench, Lachlan Lonergan, Darcy Swain, Len Ikitau and Andrew Kellaway, ready to know a first selection.
"We've been working really hard over the past three weeks to prepare for what is going to be an exciting and not obvious series of matches against the French," said Rennie.
Composition of Australia for the first test match against France, Wednesday in Brisbane:
Tom Banks - Tom Wright, Hunter Paisami, Matt To'omua, Marika Koroibete - Noah Lolesio (o), Jake Gordon (m) - Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (cap), Rob Valetini - Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip - Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper
Alternates: Lachlan Lonergan, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Darcy Swain, Isi Naisarani, Tate McDermott, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway
© 2021 AFP