EDDIE JONES HAS rolled the dice for England’s do-or-die second Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday by giving debuts to Guy Porter and Tommy Freeman.
In a shock overhaul of the threequarters, Porter comes in for Joe Marchant at outside centre and Freeman replaces the underperforming Joe Cokanasiga on the left wing.
Completing the trio of changes in the backs is Jack van Poortvliet making his full debut at scrum-half after being given the nod ahead of Danny Care.
The final adjustment to the side defeated 30-28 in the first Test in Perth is Sam Underhill filling the void at openside created by Tom Curry’s tour-ending concussion.
Jones has opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs on a bench that includes teenage sensation Henry Arundell, who will be aiming to make another explosive cameo appearance.
“We have decided to make changes in our back line. They were tough calls but we feel they will strengthen the team. There are opportunities to attack against Australia which we can take,” Jones said.
“This game is the perfect practice for the World Cup and our focus is putting on our best performance.”
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Wallabies coach Dave Rennie made five changes, with his hand forced by injuries and suspensions after the brutal Perth battle which snapped an eight-match losing streak against Jones’s men.
Fullback Tom Banks broke his arm during that Test with right wing Andrew Kellaway expected to replace him in Brisbane. But the Melbourne Rebels player has been ruled out for the series after injuring a hamstring in training this week.
That opened the door to Jordan Petaia, usually a wing, to start in the number 15 jersey for the first time at international level, with Tom Wright taking Kellaway’s place.
The Wallabies also made changes to their tight five, with powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou back from injury to replace Allan Alaalatoa, who suffered a concussion in Perth but should be fit for the final Test in Sydney.
With lock Darcy Swain serving a two-match ban after being sent off for headbutting Jonny Hill, Matt Philip returns to the starting side as the chief lineout caller.
The other change sees hard-charging Hunter Paisami at outside centre in place of Len Ikitau, who has calf soreness.
England
15. Freddie Steward
14. Jack Nowell
13. Guy Porter
12. Owen Farrell
11. Tommy Freeman
10. Marcus Smith
9. Jack van Poortlviet
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Will Stuart
4. Maro Itoje
5. Jonny Hill
6. Courtney Lawes (captain)
7. Sam Underhill
8. Billy Vunipola
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Joe Heyes
19. Ollie Chessum
20. Lewis Ludlam
21. Jack Willis
22. Danny Care
23. Henry Arundell
Australia
15. Jordan Petaia
14. Tom Wright
13. Hunter Paisami
12. Samu Kerevi
11. Marika Koroibete
10. Noah Lolesio
9. Nic White
1. Angus Bell
2. David Porecki
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Matt Philip
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Leota
7. Michael Hooper (captain)
8. Rob Valetini
Replacements:
16. Folau Fainga’a
17. Scott Sio
18. James Slipper
19. Nick Frost
20. Pete Samu
21. Jake Gordon
22. James O’Connor
23. Izaia Perese
- Additional reporting by AFP
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Two England debuts for Australia game as Eddie Jones rings the changes
EDDIE JONES HAS rolled the dice for England’s do-or-die second Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday by giving debuts to Guy Porter and Tommy Freeman.
In a shock overhaul of the threequarters, Porter comes in for Joe Marchant at outside centre and Freeman replaces the underperforming Joe Cokanasiga on the left wing.
Completing the trio of changes in the backs is Jack van Poortvliet making his full debut at scrum-half after being given the nod ahead of Danny Care.
The final adjustment to the side defeated 30-28 in the first Test in Perth is Sam Underhill filling the void at openside created by Tom Curry’s tour-ending concussion.
Jones has opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs on a bench that includes teenage sensation Henry Arundell, who will be aiming to make another explosive cameo appearance.
“We have decided to make changes in our back line. They were tough calls but we feel they will strengthen the team. There are opportunities to attack against Australia which we can take,” Jones said.
“This game is the perfect practice for the World Cup and our focus is putting on our best performance.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie made five changes, with his hand forced by injuries and suspensions after the brutal Perth battle which snapped an eight-match losing streak against Jones’s men.
Fullback Tom Banks broke his arm during that Test with right wing Andrew Kellaway expected to replace him in Brisbane. But the Melbourne Rebels player has been ruled out for the series after injuring a hamstring in training this week.
That opened the door to Jordan Petaia, usually a wing, to start in the number 15 jersey for the first time at international level, with Tom Wright taking Kellaway’s place.
The Wallabies also made changes to their tight five, with powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou back from injury to replace Allan Alaalatoa, who suffered a concussion in Perth but should be fit for the final Test in Sydney.
With lock Darcy Swain serving a two-match ban after being sent off for headbutting Jonny Hill, Matt Philip returns to the starting side as the chief lineout caller.
The other change sees hard-charging Hunter Paisami at outside centre in place of Len Ikitau, who has calf soreness.
England
15. Freddie Steward
14. Jack Nowell
13. Guy Porter
12. Owen Farrell
11. Tommy Freeman
10. Marcus Smith
9. Jack van Poortlviet
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Will Stuart
4. Maro Itoje
5. Jonny Hill
6. Courtney Lawes (captain)
7. Sam Underhill
8. Billy Vunipola
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Joe Heyes
19. Ollie Chessum
20. Lewis Ludlam
21. Jack Willis
22. Danny Care
23. Henry Arundell
Australia
15. Jordan Petaia
14. Tom Wright
13. Hunter Paisami
12. Samu Kerevi
11. Marika Koroibete
10. Noah Lolesio
9. Nic White
1. Angus Bell
2. David Porecki
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Matt Philip
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Leota
7. Michael Hooper (captain)
8. Rob Valetini
Replacements:
16. Folau Fainga’a
17. Scott Sio
18. James Slipper
19. Nick Frost
20. Pete Samu
21. Jake Gordon
22. James O’Connor
23. Izaia Perese
- Additional reporting by AFP
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