Rugby: Deans opts for experience against France

Adam Ashley-Cooper has replaced teen sensation James O'Connor at fullback for the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Adam Ashley-Cooper has won the battle to wear the Wallabies No 15 jersey in Saturday night's test against France at ANZ Stadium.

Australia have named their strongest possible side for the match against the French, who drew their recent series with the All Blacks in New Zealand.

Wallabies' coach Robbie Deans has made nine changes to the experimental side he fielded against Italy in Melbourne last Saturday.

Teenage fullback James O'Connor will start from the bench to allow Ashley-Cooper the run-on start.

Veteran winger Lote Tuqiri has still been unable to make the side, with No 11 Peter Hynes replaced by Drew Mitchell.

Two open side flankers have been chosen on the bench, with Phil Waugh retaining his place alongside David Pocock.

In-form centre Ryan Cross has also been chosen on the bench.

"This is the combination we feel will serve us best this weekend," Deans said.

"We got a lot out of last week's game in Melbourne and certainly weren't disappointed with the effort of any of the players involved.

"That outing has allowed us to broaden our depth in terms of exposing other players to test match conditions.

"We will see the benefits of that moving forward."

Captain Stirling Mortlock, Ashley-Cooper, Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, Stephen Moore, Al Baxter and Benn Robinson all come into the side.

O'Connor, Cross, Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Ben Alexander all drop to the reserves bench, while Hynes, Quade Cooper, Peter Kimlin and Pek Cowan were omitted from the squad.

The nine returning players bring with them a collective total of 397 caps, adding a considerable amount of experience to the side that beat Italy.

Wallabies
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Richard Brown, George Smith, Dean Mumm, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Phil Waugh, David Pocock, Josh Valentine, Ryan Cross, James O'Connor.

- AAP