- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Eddie Jones has confirmed his team with flanker Sam Underhill replacing Tom Curry in the England backrow against the Wallabies in Brisbane.
WALLABIES TEAM FOR SECOND TEST
England has also named two debutants in Tommy Freeman (left wing) and Guy Porter (centre).
Australian-raised Guy Porter was named on the bench last week but this time he’s in the starting 15.
“He’s done exceptionally well for his club,” Jones said last week about Porter.
“He’s in the champion club team. He played most of the year at winger and in the last part of the season he played 12, He’s got that versatility of being able to play 12, 13 or winger so he’s a great bench player for us.”
Asked to describe Porter’s strengths, Jones replied: “he’s, tough mate”.
Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell have both maintained their spot in the side.
England will look to bounce back after a 30-28 defeat in the opening game of the three-Test series.
At scrum-half, Jack van Poortvliet will make his first start for England, after scoring a try coming on as a finisher last weekend.
Owen Farrell starts at inside centre with Marcus Smith at fly half. Jack Nowell is on the right wing and Freddie Steward stays at full back.
In the only change to the forwards pack, Sam Underhill is at open-side flanker. Courtney Lawes captains the side and Billy Vunipola is at No. 8.
In the front row, props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart join hooker Jamie George. Maro Itoje and Jonny Hill are locks.
“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,” Eddie Jones said.
“We have had solid preparation this week and looking forward to an important game in Brisbane.
“This game is the perfect practice for the World Cup and our focus is putting on our best performance.”
Sam Underhill spoke about what England have to do differently in the second Test.
“Michael Hooper is obviously a big breakdown threat. It’s not a case of man-marking him but as a team you are acutely aware that if he’s around the breakdown it’s highly likely he’ll be competing. You have to shift him early because he’s good over the ball,” he said.
“At Test level Tom (Curry) is a machine and I’m gutted for him that his tour is over early,” Underhill said.
“Rugby is a more physical game than it has ever been. There are big athletes who move very well and at Test level you don’t have a lot of time to react. The collisions are quicker.”
England team to take on the Wallabies in Brisbane – 2nd Test
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 11 caps)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
13. Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 95 caps)
11. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 11 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 37 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 67 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 57 caps)
5. Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 13 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 94 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 28 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 62 caps)
Reserves
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 35 caps)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 68 caps)
18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
20. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 12 caps)
21. Jack Willis (Wasps, 3 caps)
22. Danny Care (Harlequins, 85 caps)
23. Henry Arundell (London Irish, 1 cap) *apprentice player
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.