England recall Owen Farrell but Maro Itoje and Henry Slade on bench against Australia
Written by News on 16/11/2017
Owen Farrell has been recalled to England’s XV for Saturday’s autumn Test against Australia but Maro Itoje will start on the bench.
Farrell replaces Henry Slade at inside centre but coach Eddie Jones has decided to partner recalled Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes in the second row, leaving Itoje as one of his ‘finishers’ for the match at Twickenham, live on Sky Sports.
Anthony Watson starts at full-back with Mike Brown not having been considered for selection following the head injury he suffered against Argentina, but Jonny May has been passed fit to start on the wing opposite Elliot Daly.
Jones said: "I have selected the strongest 23 to play Australia and we will have to be effective in everything we do this weekend to win.
"This is going to be a great challenge, as we know Australia have been in great form towards the end of their season.
"The players have had an extremely positive week. They have trained well and worked hard and we are all excited about going out on Saturday and playing well against a very good Australian side."
England: 15 Anthony Watson; 14 Jonny May, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell; 11 Elliot Daly; 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole; 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Courtney Lawes; 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Nathan Hughes.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Danny Care, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Semesa Rokoduguni.
Watch England v Australia live on Saturday from 2pm on Sky Sports Action.
(c) Sky News 2017: England recall Owen Farrell but Maro Itoje and Henry Slade on bench against Australia
