Wallabies enforcer Adam Coleman has been given the all clear to face England after coming through training unscathed in London.
The giant lock injured his thumb in Australia’s win over Wales last weekend and sat out training in the early part of this week.
Coach Michael Cheika delayed finalising his team until the 26-year-old lineout linchpin had proved his fitness in the final hit-out at the team’s base in Teddington ahead of Saturday’s marquee fixture of the spring tour.
“He is not at 100 per cent. I would be lying if said he was 100 and you know I never lie,” Cheika said.
“I would say he got through today pretty good, better than I thought, and we would not pick him if we did not think he could do his job. He is a tough lad.”
Cheika has resisted the urge to make changes to the starting line-up that beat Wales last week.
Samu Kerevi keeps his spot in the centres with Karmichael Hunt to start on the bench despite playing the final 33 minutes in Cardiff.
“Karmichael had more of a challenge last week, but he and Samu did a nice job between two of them,” Cheika said.
“Karmichael had been injured a fair bit and had not played a lot of footy before the tour. I am a big fan of his. The more time he gets the better he is going to be.
England coach Eddie Jones has named outstanding young lock forward Maro Itoje on the bench after he sat out the win over Argentina last week.
British and Irish Lions centre Owen Farrell is restored to the side after also being rested for the Pumas clash.
“It’s just looking after the players,” Jones said.
“We want to make sure we look after our players. Part of that is bringing Maro through. He’ll play part of the game this week – he might play a lot of the game this week.
“Just because he’s starting on the bench doesn’t mean he can’t play 79 minutes, there’s no reason why he can’t.
“I wouldn’t presume too much.”
AUSTRALIA: Kurtley Beale; Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan; Rob Simmons; Adam Coleman; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio.
Res: Stephen Moore, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Matt Philip, Ben McCalman, Lopeti Timani, Nick Phipps, Karmichael Hunt, Henry Speight (one to be omitted).
ENGLAND: Anthony Watson; Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Nathan Hughes, Sam Underhill, Chris Robshaw; Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury; Mako Vunipola, Dylan Hartley (Capt), Dan Cole.
Res: Jamie George, Joe Marler, Harry Williams, Maro Itoje, Sam Simmonds, Danny Care, Henry Slade, Semesa Rokoduguni.
Riddler
Guest
I saw the french equivalent of maro playing for the b team on Tuesday night.. He was absolutely superb playing at open side. . 6'5 And quicker than hooper I would dare say.. The French are like the kiwis. . They can just pop out these brilliant athletes .. Listening to a UK podcast during the week. . They were very big on hooper and mcmahon. . Amazing how some people (especially here on the roar armchair chat) see the game so differently..
Riddler
Guest
Can say the same about u Peter and some of your calls. . Don't get all high and mighty old timer
Gepetto
Guest
On the same theme, the astute Welsh commentators who awarded Genia MoM honours also complimented Stephen Moore on his intelligent and skilful play last week. I am happy to see no one on this page has sledged Simmons yet as the champion lock marches towards 100 tests.
PeterK
Roar Guru
same old, people don't review their preconceptions despite evidence to the contrary
Zenn
Roar Rookie
Itoje on the bench is surprising. Aus team looks strong and will benefit from consistent selection. Speight to drop out in favour of versatile Hunt
Fionn
Guest
How hasn't he? He has made pretty much all of his tackles coming in off the bench since, was defensively great against Japan and didn't miss a tackle last week.
Apelu
Guest
Serevi's defence is a worry. He still has not addressed the issues he had during the first Bledisloe. I would have prefered Hunt to start for his defence.