7 French newbies in tonight’s Test clash

Brisbane: Newly promoted fullback Melvyn Jaminet is among seven uncapped players named by France head coach Fabien Galthie in tonight’s Test clash against Australia in Brisbane.

Jaminet, 22, played an integral role in guiding Perpignan to promotion to the Top 14. Castres hooker Gaetan Barlot will also make his debut for Les Bleus in a team missing a host of first-choice players who played in last week’s Top 14 final and would not have had time to complete Covid-19 quarantine after entering Australia.

Winger Damian Penaud, centre Arthur Vincent and stand-in captain Anthony Jelonch are amongst those from the last round of the Six Nations, a loss to Scotland in March. “The players have everything to gain,” Galthié said.

“It is the opportunity for many to assert themselves, to reveal themselves, and to take a place in the XV of France two and a half years before the World Cup.”

The 2023 Rugby World Cup hosts will complete the three-Test series against the Wallabies on July 13 and 17.

The match kicks off at 10pm and shown live on Sky Pacific

Line-up

France: 15. Melvyn Jaminet; 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Arthur Vincent, 12. Jonathan Danty, 11. Gabin Villiere; 10. Louis Carbonel, 9. Baptiste Couilloud; 8. Sekou Macalou,

7. Anthony Jelonch (capt), 6. Dylan Cretin; 5. Romain Taofifenua, 4. Killian Geraci; 3. Demba Bamba,

2. Gaetan Barlot, 1. Jean-Baptiste Gros.

Reserves: 16. Anthony Etrillard,

17. Quentin Walcker, 18. Sipili Falatea, 19. Florent Vanverberghe,

20. Baptiste Pesenti, 21. Cameron Woki, 22. Teddy Iribaren, 23. Anthony Bouthier.

Australia: 1. James Slipper, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Matt Philip, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Matt To’omua, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Tom Wright, 15. Tom Banks

Reserves: 16. Lachlan Lonergan,

17. Angus Bell, 18. Taniela Tupou,

19. Darcy Swain, 20. Isi Naisarani,

21. Tate McDermott, 22. Len Ikitau,

23. Andrew Kellaway.

- Planet Rugby