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England have won their first Test series on Australian soil, going 2-0 in this three-match series with a 23-7 win over the Wallabies at AAMI Park.
More of the wash-up from Wallabies vs England
» Pulver not happy with AAMI Park surface
» Nine talking points
» Match report: England clinch the series
» DIY player ratings
» Roar Forum – what changes should the Wallabies make?
» WATCH: Highlights from the match
Final score
Australia 7
England 23
The Wallabies are on the hunt for redemption in the second Test tonight, fielding an altered line up against the old enemy England. Join The Roar from 8pm (AEST) for all the live highlights and action.
After a sloppy affair in Brisbane that saw them give up an early lead, Michael Cheika’s men are needing a win in Melbourne to keep the series alive before the final contest in Sydney.
A bright start and a 10-point lead weren’t enough to negate the error count and failure at the lineout, as the Australians continued to gift the English a free ticket back into the contest on their way to a 39-28 loss.
Eddie Jones and his Red Roses continued their dream run through international rugby in the first Test, winning their eighth game on the trot since tasting defeat against the Wallabies last year.
Not only will a victory for the visitors see England retain the Cook Cup, but they can also steal second spot in the IRB rankings from Australia, who sit just a point ahead of the Europeans.
Team news
After much speculation following the injury to Wallaby No.8 David Pocock, Sean McMahon has been named as his replacement, slotting in at the back of the scrum for his international return, on his birthday no less.
As well as the aforementioned McMahon inclusion, Cheika has also named three other changes to his line up, including a new look front row.
Scott Sio has sensationally been dropped entirely from the match day squad after the first Test, allowing James Slipper to move off the bench into the run on.
Similarly, Sekope Kepu has been elevated to the starting 15, replacing Greg Holmes at tight head.
The final change was initially thought to have been a back injury to Rob Simmons, however, after recovering during the week in time for availability, Cheika has since dropped Simmons from the side regardless in place of Sam Carter at lock.
For England, coach Eddie Jones has made just two changes to his winning side for the second Test, both in the backline.
Luther Burrell has been ousted from the 23-man squad, being replaced by young gun George Ford at fly half, in turn pushing Owen Farrell out to inside centre.
Jack Nowell is the other alteration to Jones’ side, replacing Marland Yarde on the wing after scoring a try in the series opener.
Prediction
Australia looked dominant in the first test, for the first 20 minutes, before slipping into an endless fountain of handling errors, penalties and turnovers.
It’s hard to see how they will respond, but you can bet the house on a fired up Mick Cheika giving his men a real spray to get them pumping for the second Test.
England on the other hand may have faltered early last time, but they’ve looked near unbeatable in the last six months, and that has a very real chance of continuing tonight.
The Wallabies will be looking to shoot out of the blocks and return serve tonight to even up the series. Expect them to take the early lead once again, but hold on to it this time.
Wallabies to win by 6
Can the Wallabies keep the series alive and hand Aussie Eddie his first loss in English colours? Or will the Red Rose run riot again over the green and gold, taking the Cook cup and Aussie pride with them?
Catch all the thrilling live highlights and action from 8pm (AEST), on The Roar.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.