Wednesday 4 June 2014 13:01, UK
France captain Thierry Dusautoir has been omitted from their line-up for Saturday’s first Test against Australia in Brisbane.
The flanker featured for Toulouse in their final two games of the season after recovering from a biceps injury but head coach Philippe Saint-Andre says he is “still not 100 per cent”.
Louis Picamoles is another surprise absentee, with Damien Chouly preferred at No 8. He joins Bernard Le Roux and Fulgence Ouedraogo in an experimental back row.
Toulon’s Frederic Michalak returns at fly-half for the first time since France toured Australia last summer, while Gael Fickou partners Wesley Fofana in midfield.
Saint-Andre has also named 34-year-old prop Nicolas Mas as captain for the first time as France seek their first victory over the Wallabies in Australia since 1990.
"We don't have any pressure at all, we just have a go and enjoy the moment Saturday," said Saint-Andre.
France: Bonneval, Huget, Fickou, Fofana, Le Bourhis, Michalak, Machenaud; Domingo, Guirado, Mas (c), Vahaamahina, Maestri, Ouedraogo, Chouly, Le Roux.
Replacements: Tolofua, Debaty, Slimani, Flanquart, Burban, Parra, Lamerat, Dulin.
Watch Australia v France live on Sky Sports 1 from 11am on Saturday
