Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has decided to rest both players ahead of finalising his squad next month.

Mortlock sat out Australias final two Tri-Nations games due to a calf muscle injury, while Young has started all nine Tests for the Wallabies this year.

We named a training squad of 45, and we were always going to have a look at each player separately and whether or not it is in their best interest to tour, said Jones.

Bill has played more than 550 minutes of Test rugby already this season, and with a groin injury as the start of the year, he didnt really get a good off-season.

He needs a break from playing, and the chance to work on an extensive strength and conditioning programme leading into next year.

Stirling is a slightly different proposition, missing four Super 12 matches through injury and three Tests. The break will also give him the opportunity to work hard on his strength and speed.

Australia launch their tour against the French Barbarians in Bordeaux on November 1, followed by Tests on successive weekends against France, England, Ireland and Wales.