Wallabies name squad for First Test against France

July 05, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

Jake Gordon has completed an incredible recovery from injury, named to start for the Wallabies for the first Test against France at Suncorp Stadium.

Gordon will line up in the halves alongside Noah Lolesio, with James O’Connor failing to overcome a groin strain.

The scrumhalf suffered an MCL injury last month whilst playing for the Waratahs.

Brumbies props James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa have been named to start alongside Reds hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the front-row, with Matt Philip and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto rounding out the tight five in the second-row.

Captain Michael Hooper is joined in an exciting back-row with Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson.

Matt To'omua has recovered from a groin complaint and will partner Hunter Paisami in the centres, with Marika Koroibete, Tom Wright and Tom Banks forming an electric back-three.

There are four debutants on the bench, with Lachlan Lonergan, Darcy Swain, Len Ikitau and Andrew Kellaway primed to make their debut.

They are joined by damaging props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell, Rebels number eight Isi Naisarani and Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott.

WALLABIES TEAM TO PLAY FRANCE

1. James Slipper (100 Tests)

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (8 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (43 Tests)

4. Matt Philip (9 Tests)

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (25 Tests)

6. Rob Valetini (4 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (105 Tests)

8. Harry Wilson (6 Tests)

9. Jake Gordon (5 Tests)