LA ROCHELLE LOCK Will Skelton will captain Australia for the first time in this weekend’s Rugby World Cup warm-up with hosts France - who have named a strong team.

Skelton was picked as Eddie Jones’ captain for the tournament with experienced flanker Michael Hooper omitted from the squad.

The 31-year-old will partner fellow France-based second-row, Toulouse’s Richie Arnold, for Sunday’s game at the Stade de France.

Skelton is one of four changes in the starting lineup from the loss to New Zealand on 5 August.

Australia open their World Cup campaign against Georgia on 9 September before also playing Fiji, Wales and Portugal in Pool C.

Australia:

Backs:

• 15. Andrew Kellaway;
• 14. Mark Nawaqanitawase,
• 13. Jordan Petaia,
• 12. Lalakai Foketi,
• 11. Suliasi Vunivalu;
• 10. Carter Gordon,
• 9. Tate McDermott;

Forwards: 

• 1. Angus Bell
• 2. David Porecki
• 3. Taniela Tupou
• 4. Richie Arnold
• 5. Will Skelton
• 6. Tom Hooper
• 7. Fraser McReight
• 8. Rob Valetini

Replacements:

• Matt Faessler,
• Blake Schoupp,
• Zane Nonggorr,
• Matt Philip,
• Rob Leota,
• Langi Gleeson,
• Issak Fines-Leleiwasa,
• Ben Donaldson

– © AFP 2023