Matt finished: Crocked prop Dunning to miss Saturday's French Test

It only hurts when I laugh: Matt Dunning nurses his injured leg

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans revealed Dunning initially suffered the injury
during the victory over Ireland in Melbourne almost a fortnight ago and that it
had been given two days to settle down in the hope the prop would still be
available.

"It re-bled after training on Tuesday causing him some discomfort," said
Deans.

"We made the call at that stage to place Ben Alexander on stand-by and brought
him back down from Brisbane on Wednesday before making the call this morning to
withdraw Matt from the Test.

"It wasn't coming right as soon as we'd have liked so we made the decision
before training this morning that it was in the best interests of all of the
parties involved that we make the call now and move on."

Deans, however, has no doubt Alexander will slot seamlessly into the squad.

"He's ready to go and did his job well for Australia A last Sunday," Deans
said. "It is a great opportunity for him."

Alexander admitted his inclusion had come as a surprise.

"I didn't actually know I'd be involved until Robbie told the whole team at
training this morning," he said.

"Up until then, I was under the impression that I was just there as cover but
it was a massive feeling to learn that I'd be part of it. I can't wait."

The 23-year-old ACT Brumbies prop has packed down on both sides of the scrum
during training with the Wallabies.