White on familiar ground

AUSTRALIAN flyhalf Bernard Foley says Nic White’s experience in the Top 14 will stand the scrumhalf in good stead as he returns to the starting line-up to face France this weekend.

White, 32, who was on the bench for the Wallabies’ 16-15 win over Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend with Jake Gordon in the run-on side, spent two seasons with Montpellier on the Mediterranean coast, clocking up 57 games for the club.

“Nic understands what it’s like playing in France, he’s played here for many seasons and is very familiar with the French players,” Foley said.

“I’m really excited to pair up with him and hopefully we can combine well together.”

There are three other changes for Sunday’s game in Paris as fullback Jock Campbell makes his full debut, Taniela Tupou replaces Allan Alaalatoa, who is suffering concussion, and Lalakai Foketi at inside centre.

Loose-head Tupou, 26, will make his 45th Test appearance as Rennie’s men head to the French capital before games against Italy, Ireland and Wales this month.

“He’s buoyant, he’s had a great training week. He’s full of energy,” Rennie said.

“I think he’s in a really good place and enjoying the tour. Hopefully we see that reflected on Saturday.”

Lock Will Skelton, who plays for French club La Rochelle, is on the bench for his first Test since last November, less than 10 months out from the start of the Rugby World Cup, held in France.

“We’re trying to make sure when he’s on the field he complements our lineout,” Rennie said.

“He wants to make a good fist of it to push for the World Cup next year.”

The Wallabies will start their tournament against Georgia on September 9 at the Stade de France before also facing Fiji, Wales and a final qualifier, one of US, Portugal, Kenya and Hong Kong, who will play off in Dubai for two weeks from Sunday.