No favours for big-name Wallabies
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said that form was his primary consideration in naming the Wallaby side to face France in Brisbane.
Experienced scrumhalf Will Genia was on Tuesday dumped from the match-day squad to play France in the first Test and former captain James Horwill was relegated to the bench, with Nic White and Bernard Foley forming a new halves pairing.
Genia failed even to make the bench for the clash in Brisbane on Saturday, with coach Ewen McKenzie saying form had been critical in his choices.
"We function in a performance environment and so it's important to reward those who have consistently played at a high level over the course of the season," he said.
"This year we're in a particularly strong position whereby so many of our players have been performing well for their provinces.
"The margins are so small but it unfortunately does mean that quality players are going to miss out, which is the case for our opening Test against France."
With Genia out, Brumbies star White will start at scrumhalf while Foley has been given the flyhalf berth ahead of Waratahs teammate Kurtley Beale, who is on the bench.
McKenzie also handed a Test debut to Brumbies lock Sam Carter alongside Rob Simmons in the second row. Former skipper Horwill is only a replacement, paying the price for poor form with the Reds.
Wycliff Palu claimed the No.8 spot ahead of Scott Higginbotham and Ben McCalman for his 50th appearance while prop James Slipper also earned a 50th cap.
McKenzie said Genia was understandably disappointed, particularly at being left out of the squad altogether with Nick Phipps named as the replacement halfback.
But he backed his new playmaking duo to make the most of their opportunity.
"Nic and Bernard are two players who have had a huge influence in the results of their provincial teams over the past two seasons," he said.
"I've also been pleased to see their development as playmakers since getting a taste of Test rugby last year, and you can sense they have a real confidence in running a game.
"We have a very specific style of game we want to play – the Wallaby way – and their two skill-sets complement each other in ensuring we can deliver our gameplan on the night.
"They're also established goalkickers and you can never underestimate the importance of this skill at an international level."
Stephen Moore will captain the side for the first time, leading an experienced front row of Slipper and Sekope Kepu, while Carter partners lineout-caller Simmons in the two lock positions.
Carter is the son of former Wallaby David Carter, who earned a reputation as an uncompromising loose forward. He said he was shocked at making the team ahead of Horwill, who took the news well.
"He's a class act. Anything I can learn off him is obviously a bonus heading into this Test. There was no hard feelings," he told reporters.
In the loose trio, vice-captain and openside flank Michael Hooper revives his partnership with blindside flank Scott Fardy, alongside Palu.
Matt Toomua will combine with Brumbies teammate Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield, while there is a consistent look to the back-three in wingers Nick Cummins and Adam Ashley Cooper, along with fullback Israel Folau.
AFP
