Michael Cheika's sweeping changes to the Wallabies' starting side for Saturday's Test against France clearly shows the coach is prioritising a tilt at the grand slam, according to Phil Waugh.
Kyle Godwin has been handed a Test debut at inside centre, while David Pocock, Will Genia, Henry Speight and Tevita Kuridrani are the only players retained from the starting team that beat Scotland last weekend.
Former Wallabies flanker Waugh doesn't believe Australia has disrespected Les Bleus by making 11 changes to the XV for the clash in Paris on Sunday morning AEDT.
"This is all about the grand slam," Waugh told Fox Sports on Friday morning.
Australia are bidding to win their first grand slam since 1984, with wins over Wales and Scotland putting the Wallabies on track ahead of clashes with Ireland and England.
Waugh said coach Cheika had selected a "well-balanced" team for France.
"Looking at the squad, I don't think we're actually disrespecting them from the players we've picked," 79-Test Wallaby Waugh said.
"We've actually picked a very strong team. I don't see any disrespect at all."
"The French are so unpredictable, you don't know what they'll actually bring to the table either."
Four fringe players will make their run-on debuts at the Stade de France - hooker Tolu Latu, prop Allan Alaalatoa, winger Sefa Naivalu and fullback Luke Morahan.
Cheika has rested Michael Hooper, Stephen Moore, Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Sekope Kepu and Bernard Foley.
Pocock, who moves to his preferred openside flanker role, will captain the run-on side with regular skipper Moore moving to the bench.
"Sure we've rested some players, but Pocock's there, Fardy's at six, Genia's starting at nine," Waugh said.
"Tolu Latu, coming in at hooker - he's been a stand-out in the NRC (National Rugby Championship).
"I think he's one of the best hookers in world rugby at the moment, not just Australian rugby.
"Godwin - a lot of talk about him - strong ball-carrier, good defender. He's stood up for a number of seasons in a row now."
Share
