Eddie Jones has stuck with the eight forwards that provided England with such a platform to attack last week in Brisbane. He will be hoping that they can provide the same physical characteristics that served them well against Australia last Saturday, when the two sides meet in Melbourne this weekend with a potential series win on the cards for the men in white.
Eddie Jones Keeps Faith with Pack
In a largely unchanged side, Saracens hooker Jamie George, Harlequins back-row forward Jack Clifford and Wasps centre Elliot Daly come on to the bench while Chris Robshaw wins his 50th cap since his debut back in 2009 against Argentina.
Ford Rewarded With Start
George Ford has retained his spot at 10 with Owen Farrell moving to 12 where he finished the previous game and according to Jones, this “gives us two great kicking options”. Ford will certainly be buoyed by his performance last weekend and it is testament to the faith shown in him by Jones that he once again occupies the fly-half position with first-choice place kicking duties going to Farrell.
Jack Nowell comes in from the start to replace Marland Yarde and this is as much to do with his high work-rate as anything else. However, Yarde’s selection in the first test was due to Nowell still being a little tired in Jones’ eyes after the Premiership final and therefore his inclusion in the starting line-up was really only a matter of time.
Strong Preparation
Reports have come out of the England camp of a strong week of preparation for Saturday’s examination, which they understand will be up another level again. It is also clear that despite their achievements, the tourists “weren’t satisfied with last weekend’s performance” and have remedied elements of their game that they believed needed improvement such as defence and breakdown work.
What’s encouraging is that their focus is on the series win and not just being satisfied with one win. This shows a mentality shift in the group that suggests they’re in the right frame of mind approaching match day. They will of course be weary of a wounded Wallaby that, like its larger cousin, will almost certainly come out punching.
England’s Second Test XV to face Australia
15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 James Haskell, 8 Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Courtney Lawes, 21 Jack Clifford, 22 Danny Care, 23 Elliot Daly.
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