We'll get in Wallabies' faces, says Eddie

Wed, May 25, 2016, 12:28 AM
AAP
by AAP
England will bring physicality when the comes to Australia next month. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley
England will bring physicality when the comes to Australia next month. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley

England coach Eddie Jones has warned the Wallabies to be prepared for an "enormous scrap" when the teams clash next month in a three-Test series in Australia.

The tough talk came on the same day as powerful centre Manu Tuilagi was ruled out of the tour with a hamstring problem.

Tuilagi sustained the injury in Leicester's Premiership semi-final defeat at Saracens on Saturday and, following a scan, was told to stay at home.

Australian Jones, who named four uncapped players in his 32-man squad, made no secrets of his ambitions for the team.

"We want to be the top team in the world... therefore, if we go to Australia, we should expect to win the series," the 56-year-old told British media. "It would be a failure if we don't win the series."

Australia were convincing 33-13 winners against England in last year's Rugby World Cup, and Jones urged his players to fight harder to ensure a different result this time.

The Wallabies defeated England the last time they played in 2015. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley

"It's got to be an enormous scrap," he said. "We're going to be in their face, physical, unrelenting, don't give them a moment."

England go into the tour after winning the Six Nations grand slam for the first time since 2003 under Jones, but the former Wallabies coach is wary of threats posed by the southern hemisphere side.

"(Australia) are just much better with the ball," he added.

"They're going to put more questions to our defence than teams did in the Six Nations and try and play with an intensity and pace that isn't common in the northern hemisphere."

The first Test against Australia is in Brisbane on June 11.

A replacement for Tuilagi will be named after Sunday's pre-tour Test against Wales at Twickenham.

"It's bad luck for Manu so close to the tour, but it provides a great opportunity for someone else. We wish Manu all the best and a quick recovery," Jones said.

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