Thomas in line for debut as Bell, Ikitau bring up 50 caps for Wallabies against France

Thu, Nov 20, 2025, 12:30 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies travelled to Paris to face France in their second Spring Tour game of the 2022 campaign.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is set to blood Queensland Reds scrum half Kalani Thomas against France on Sunday.

Thomas has been named on the bench for the clash at Stade de France, with Jake Gordon retaining his spot in the starting side.

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Schmidt has opted for a settled line-up following last week’s defeat to Ireland, with returns for Carter Gordon (quad) and Dylan Pietsch (vertigo).

Gordon will get his second start of the Spring Tour, partnering with his namesake in the halves as Tane Edmed prepares to finish the game.

Pietsch’s recall sees Filipo Daugunu return to the bench, cleared to start in a back three that includes Force teammate Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen.

In the forwards, Nick Frost comes back after missing last week’s defeat to Italy, with Tom Hooper moving to blindside flanker and Rob Valetini to the bench.

For Angus Bell, it marks the prop’s 50th game in the gold jersey as he prepares to start in the front row.

He'll also be sharing the occasion with John Eales medalist Len Ikitau, who will also hit the same milestone, starting at inside centre alongside Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

Bell will stay in Europe to join up with URC side Ulster as part of his sabbatical, partnering Taniela Tupou, who will also link up with French side Racing 92.

On the bench, Carlo Tizzano continues his role as a finisher, with Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler and Allan Alaalatoa joining him as the forward reserves.

“We’ve tried to freshen things up during the week after what’s been a dense and challenging Tour so far," Schmidt said.

“The players have looked to prepare well and they're eager to finish their season with a positive performance against one of the world’s best teams.”

Wallabies team to play France at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday November 22 at 9:10pm GMT/7:10am AEDT (Sunday) 

1. Angus Bell (49 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club 

2. Billy Pollard (20 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby 

3. Taniela Tupou (67 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby 

4. Jeremy Williams (24 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers 

5. Nick Frost (37 Tests) - #953; Hornsby Lions 

6. Tom Hooper (21 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs 

7. Fraser McReight (38 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies 

8. Harry Wilson (c) (35 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils 

9. Jake Gordon (36 Tests) - #925; Canterbury Juniors 

10. Carter Gordon (9 Tests) - #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School

11. Dylan Pietsch (8 Tests) - #978; Leeton Phantoms 

12. Len Ikitau (49 Tests) - #944; Tuggeranong Vikings  

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (17 Tests) - #988; The Kings School 

14. Harry Potter (10 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams 

15. Max Jorgensen (19 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves 

Substitutes 

16. Matt Faessler (17 Tests) - #969; USQ Saints  

17. Aidan Ross (2 Tests) - #994; Bond University 

18. Allan Alaalatoa (87 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors 

19. Rob Valetini (61 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club 

20. Carlo Tizzano (13 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia 

21. Kalani Thomas* - uncapped; Springfield Hawks 

22. Tane Edmed (8 Tests) - #990; West Harbour Juniors 

23. Filipo Daugunu (19 Tests) - #931; Wests Bulldogs 

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