Cystic fibrosis sufferer Charles in line to make debut for Wallabies

Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has "defied science and logic" to be selected to make his Test debut for Australia against France this weekend.

Charles has cystic fibrosis — a genetic disease that significantly affects the lungs and pancreas — and is the only known professional athlete in the world with the condition playing a contact sport.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie named the 25-year-old Knox Grammar and Western Force product on his bench behind Tatafu Polota-Nau, after Stephen Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury.