Horwill to start for Wallabies v France

Former skipper James Horwill has capped a memorable visit to Paris with a recall to the Wallabies starting side for Saturday’s Test against France.

Horwill will make just his third Test start this year after being named to replace dropped lock Sam Carter in Michael Cheika’s only change to the side which beat Wales in Cardiff last weekend.

The 29-year-old’s recall comes just hours after he joined the Wallabies squad at moving wreath-laying ceremony under the Arc de Triomphe to mark Remembrance Day.

The event held special significance for Horwill, whose great grandfather and grandfather served in the First and Second World Wars respectively.

Horwill had been singled out for praise by Cheika after an impressive performance in the tour-opening win over the Barbarians a fortnight ago.

The new coach said the Queensland Reds veteran was the quickest of all forwards to adapt to the team’s new playing style and he impressed again off the bench in the 33-28 win over the Welsh.

Horwill, who was axed as captain by Ewen McKenzie a year ago, now has a chance to reclaim the regular starting spot he lost at the start of the year.

The 57-Test veteran is paired in the second row alongside Rob Simmons for the match at Stade de France with Carter and Will Skelton possibly on the bench, though Cheika has unusually opted not to name his replacements yet.

Rookie flanker Sean McMahon keeps his starting spot after a tough debut against Wales, while Cheika has kept faith with the bulk of the forward pack that conceded a scrum penalty try to the Welsh.

Sekope Kepu will make his 50th Test appearance, becoming just the sixth Australian prop to reach the milestone.

“He still has plenty of improvement in his game and I’m confident his best years of Rugby are ahead of him,” Cheika said of Kepu.

The whole Wallabies squad and coaching staff attended Wednesday night’s ceremony, held in recognition of the efforts and sacrifices of Australian and French soldiers.

Horwill’s great grandfather, Sergeant Edward Henry Horwill, received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his efforts on the Western Front in World War I, where he captured 14 enemy soldiers and a machine gun in an attack on Glencorse Wood in 1917 during the Battle of Passchendaele.

“I’m very proud of that family history and to come to a place like this and see the importance they put on it here, it’s a nice touch,” Horwill said.

“It’s certainly something that adds a little bit more meaning to our time here in Paris.”

Wallabies: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali’ifano, Joe Tomane, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Ben McCalman, Michael Hooper (capt), Sean McMahon, Rob Simmons, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper. Reserves yet to be named.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!