England team named for second Australia Test
Eddie Jones has named his side for England’s second Test match against Australia.
England will look to bounce back after a 30-28 defeat in the opening game of the three Test series. They take on the Wallabies at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 9 July (11am BST KO).
- Australia v England - Saturday 9 July
- Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - KO 10.55am BST
- Watch live on Sky Sports Main Event
Eddie Jones will hand debuts to Tommy Freeman (wing) and Guy Porter (outside centre). 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 other wing and Freddie Steward stays at full back. In the only change to the forward pack, Sam Underhill is at openside flanker. Courtney Lawes (blind-side flanker) 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.
Jones said: “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.
“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.”
Team
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 (C)
8. Billy Vunipola
Finishers
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Joe Heyes
19. Ollie Chessum
20. Lewis Ludlam
21. Jack Willis
22. Danny Care
23. Henry Arundell