France select Toulon's Frederic Michalak for Australia Test

France's head coach Phillipe Saint-Andre has confirmed that Frederic Michalak will start against Australia in Brisbane this Saturday.

The Toulon playmaker has been selected at fly-half despite lingering concerns over his fitness.

Michalak, 31, sat out Toulon's Top 14 final win over Castres at the weekend, and has not represented France since last summer's tour of New Zealand.

The omission of Francois Trinh-Duc leaves Michalak as the only specialist fly-half available, and Saint-Andre is confident that he is ready to return to the national side.

"He's keen, he's focussed, he's keen to start with the No.10 on his back. He wants to show he's a good footballer," Saint-Andre told reporters.

France are looking for their first win against the Wallabies on Australian soil in 24 years.