The Japan Times - Aussie Wilson 'devastated' after Gordon ruled out of France Test

Gordon was named by head coach Joe Schmidt on Thursday in the starting XV for Saturday's Test at the Stade de France, but a day later he was forced to pull out after failing to recover from a thigh problem.

He has been replaced by Tane Edmed in the run-on team for the struggling Wallabies.

Hooker Billy Pollard has also been ruled out with Matt Faessler promoted to the starting line-up.

Gordon, 24, was in line for just his second Test appearance since playing three times for the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup.

Since then he had briefly switched to rugby league before moving back to union last month.

He suffered the thigh niggle on his first appearance back for Australia during the 26-19 defeat to Italy on November 8.

"He's worked so hard since getting into this group and he just hasn't been able to catch a break, which we all feel devastated for him," Wilson told reporters.

"He had a really good week's preparation and gave us a lot of confidence.

"I think there's going to be plenty more opportunities of Carter Gordon playing in gold," No.8 Wilson added.

- 'Beast' -

The Brumbies' Edmed will make just his ninth Test appearance at the cauldron of a packed Stade de France.

His most recent international start came in the 25-7 defeat to England on November 1, which began the Wallabies' disastrous European tour.

"Now it's Tane's turn to step up and lead us," Wilson said.

"We've played a lot of footy with Tane this year, so it's not as if it's someone we haven't played with.

"We are really familiar with him and we're really excited to see him go there for our final game of the year," the 25-year-old added.

Schmidt's Australia are one defeat away from a first winless European tour since 1958 and a record 10th loss in a calendar year.

"It definitely has been challenging," Wilson said.

"It hurts us so much and all we want is success in the gold jersey."

Wilson will come up against a familiar face in the French capital this weekend.

New Zealand-born France lock Emmanuel Meafou -- and his 145kg (319 pounds) frame -- played club rugby in Brisbane and Melbourne before joining Toulouse in 2019 and making his Les Bleus debut five years later.

"You have someone like Emmanuel Meafou in the second row, I'm quite familiar with him from Brisbane," Wilson said.

"I know what sort of beast he is so there is definitely some exciting prospects in their forward pack there which we're going to have to step up to slow down," he added.

M.Saito--JT