Deans said that the decision to sideline Tuqiri and Palu was a straight-forward one even though both had been given time to recover from the injuries they sustained last weekend before the call was eventually made.

"Initially the outlook was fairly promising on both of them," Deans said. "But, in the end, we’ve decided that it’s not worth risking further aggravation of their current situations by playing them when they’re not quite right."

Deans said that both players were still feeling some discomfort, and would benefit from a few more days of recovery time.

"With Lote’s history, in terms of the knee injury he’s had previously, we felt it was best to let the joint settle right down, hence the reason for making the call to pull him out now, rather than delaying until later in the week," Deans said.

"Even though the scans we’ve had done on Cliffy have been clear in terms of any structural damage, he too was still struggling a little bit."

Turner gets his chance to test himself at international level just 15 months after he debuted for the Waratahs in the Super 14.

Like Turner, Hollies has also impressed the new Wallabies coach by showing strong form for Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring four tries against Tonga two weeks ago, and a try against Fiji at Ballymore last Sunday.

Deans is confident that Turner is ready to take a maiden Test match bow after his recent work load for Australia A.

"Lachie has been playing well for Australia A and working hard off the field when he has trained with us. We see this as a good opportunity to get his Test career underway," Deans said.

The two other personnel changes to the starting line-up – the elevations of Ashley-Cooper to full back and Waugh to the openside flank – reflect a desire to give both players further game time, after they performed well from the bench last weekend.

Ashley-Cooper won his 13th cap in the first Test after he replaced Tuqiri in the 31st minute. While more regularly known as a winger, the 24-year-old is equally capable operating from full back.

This versatility is something that Deans is keen to develop, as it strengthens the overall balance of the Wallabies squad.

Waugh has provided impact coming off the bench in both of the Tests that the Wallabies have played so far this season. Last week, he played the second half after replacing the injured Palu.

This weekend provides his first start of the international campaign, with Smith coming off the bench.

"In both of these instances, the selection doesn’t reflect a dis-satisfaction at all with what Cameron [Shepherd] and George [Smith] have contributed," Deans said.

"It is more a case of taking this opportunity to give two other players game time in our environment, as opposed to sending them elsewhere."

Wallabies team to play France at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, on Saturday: Adam Ashley-Cooper (ACT Brumbies); Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds), Stirling Mortlock (captain, ACT Brumbies) Berrick Barnes (Queensland Reds),  Lachlan Turner (NSW Waratahs); Matt Giteau (Western Force), Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs); Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs), Stephen Moore (Queensland Reds), Al Baxter (NSW Waratahs), James Horwill (Queensland Reds), Nathan Sharpe (Western Force), Rocky Elsom (NSW Waratahs), Phil Waugh (NSW Waratahs), Stephen Hoiles (ACT Brumbies).

Replacements: Adam Freier (NSW Waratahs), Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies), Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs), George Smith (ACT Brumbies), Sam Cordingley (Queensland Reds), Ryan Cross (Western Force), Cameron Shepherd (Western Force).