Cooper under injury cloud but Cheika confident he'll start against France

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is confident Quade Cooper will be fit to play against France despite not training this week as the Australian five-eighth prepares to undergo a late fitness test on the day of the match.

Cheika challenges new boys to stand up

Michael Cheika says now is the time for a number of backup Wallabies to rise to the challenge and prove they can perform at Test level as Australia finalises its preparations to take on France at Stade de France.

'I want to be playing for the Wallabies': O'Connor

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When James O'Connor, regarded by many as the forgotten man of Australian rugby, was sent a photo by a former teammate this week of himself as a 17-year-old playing for the Western Force, he burst out laughing.

Cheika offered O'Connor Wallabies jersey

Michael Cheika rang James O'Connor to see whether the 44-Test Wallaby, who departed Australian rugby in controversial circumstances a year ago, would be available to don a gold jersey for the first time in over three years against the French Barbarians in Bordeaux next week.

The new faces Cheika will give a Wallabies start to

Kyle Godwin has come from the clouds and will make his Wallabies debut at inside-centre with Michael Cheika announcing a plethora of changes for the match against France this weekend.

Morahan picked at fullback over Koroibete

Michael Cheika has acknowledged Luke Morahan might not have agreed with his decision to pick NRL convert Marika Koroibete over the Western Force winger on the spring tour but says he deserves the chance start at fullback against France. 

The position Haylett-Petty wants to play against France

Wallabies winger Dane Haylett-Petty says he would take the opportunity to start at fullback against France this weekend with both hands – provided Michael Cheika does not rest him.

Kepu says new props can stand up to France

The Wallabies could field a completely new front row this weekend against France but regular tight-head prop Sekope Kepu believes Australia has the depth to match it with a French pack who pride themselves at scrum-time.

Why Gill doesn't regret leaving Australia

Liam Gill says he thinks about how he would have gone in a Wallabies jersey if he got more of an opportunity but is happy he made the decision to come to Toulon and try his luck there.