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Australia have been compelled to make two changes to their starting XV ahead of their Autumn International against France in Paris, as skipper Joe Schmidt navigates injuries and a bruising, winless European tour.
- Flyhalf Carter Gordon is out with a quad injury, and Tane Edmed takes his place at No. 10.
- Hooker Billy Pollard has been ruled out after suffering a hip-pointer injury, prompting Matt Faessler to move into the starting lineup.
Schmidt’s changes create a delicate situation at flyhalf, as the team lacks further cover in that position — particularly after parting ways with James O’Connor earlier in the tour.
To fill the gaps: Hamish Stewart comes onto the bench in place of Edmed, while Josh Nasser is inserted into the reserves in place of Faessler.
Australia enter this match having lost all three Tests on tour (to England, Italy, and Ireland), and a loss here would complete their first whitewash of a European tour since 1958.
