Nathan Sharpe

Australia have been rocked by the news that veteran lock Nathan Sharpe will miss Saturday's Test against France with a groin injury.

Sharpe was named in the starting XV on Tuesday, but injured his groin in training on Thursday and will be forced to watch the game from the sidelines.

The 28-year-old was given the chance to recover, but after being examined by the Wallabies' medical team on Thursday night, it was decided he should be withdrawn.

"It's unfortunate, but the injury is restricting Nathan, so the choice was made for us," Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said.

"We gave it as much time as we could, to allow it to settle but, with the game just two days away, we had to make the call and move on."

Waratahs utility forward Dean Mumm has been promoted into the starting line-up, while Queensland Reds flanker Hugh McMeniman will start on the bench.