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Greg Inglis - Source: Photosport -
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Tim Sheens has rubbished suggestions Australia will field a second-string side against France despite the Kangaroos coach resting star Melbourne trio Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater.
Sheens stuck to his pre-tour vow to give every member of the touring party a run during the tournament, with Michael Jennings, Josh Morris and Cooper Cronk all named to play.
Jennings and Morris will start in the centres - the latter lining up alongside twin Brett on the left edge - while Cronk will come off the bench as back-up to starting halves Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston as well as new hooker Robbie Farah.
Sheens claimed the inclusion of his No.1 halves pairing proved the Australians meant business in Paris, where a win will book a berth in the November 14 final in Leeds.
"It might come across to some back in Australia as 'oh, he's resting people', it's not the case," Sheens said.
"If I'm resting anyone it's because they've had a couple of hard hitouts and they've finished with a long season and I think that's indicative of Thurston and Lockyer starting.
"The side I put out, that's a very good side.
"For anyone to say that's a second string side - I don't think we have a first string side. I've changed both sides and I'm going into the third game just keeping the structure."
While the likes of Inglis, Smith and Slater will no doubt come straight back into the side, Sheens has indicated that the squad for the November 14 final is far from decided.
Most open are the spots on the bench, with Farah, Kurt Gidley and Cronk all battling it out for the back-up playmaker's spot.
It's just as tight in the backrow, with Ryan Hoffman and Trent Waterhouse given another chance to push for selection after being named to play France in place of injured duo Anthony Watmough (concussion/groin) and Paul Gallen (neck).
Sheens also said his decision to leave Hayne on the wing and not give him a run at fullback - where he starred for Parramatta this season - was made with one eye on the final.
"Jarryd's coming to terms with the wing again," Sheens said.
"Billy will come back into the side I want him (Hayne) involved from the wing.
"If I had a problem at the back (during the game) Jarryd would move."
Two players going nowhere are Lockyer and Thurston, though Sheens did admit the pair had been given another run just to iron out a few kinks.
It had been assumed Cronk would get the No.7 jumper for the clash with France with Australia all-but assured a finals berth.
"I'm concerned about getting Darren and Thurston on the same page - that hasn't been as comfortable as I thought or as slick as it should be," Sheens said.
"The first game they were at sixes and sevens - the whole team was but they didn't settle it.
"Game two was better. I'd like to improve it, I'd like things to be working better and Darren getting good ball when he wants it."
Team: Kurt Gidley, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Michael Jennings, Jarryd Hayne, Darren Lockyer (capt), Johnathan Thurston, Petero Civoniceva, Robbie Farah, Ben Hannant, Trent Waterhouse, Ryan Hoffman, Nathan Hindmarsh. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, Luke Lewis, David Shillington, Sam Thaiday.
