England confirm side for second Test

Thu, Jul 7, 2022, 6:22 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies hosted England in their first international of 2022.

Eddie Jones has confirmed former Sydney Uni captain Guy Porter will make his starting debut for England against the Wallabies.

Porter made his name for the Shute Shield and the Brumbies before returning back to England to help Leicester to the Premiership title.

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After being an unused substitute last week, he comes into the centres alongside Owen Farrell as Jones maintains his partnership with Marcus Smith.

At scrum-half, Jack van Poortvliet will make his first start after scoring off the bench in Perth, swapping with Danny Care

Jones have resisted the urge to select apprentice player and teenage sensation Henry Arundell in the starting side after his breakout debut.

Instead, they have called Tommy Freeman into the starting side as Arundell looks to provide a similar spark from the bench.

"We have decided to make changes in our back line, they were tough calls but we feel they will strengthen the team," Jones said in a statement.

"There are opportunities to attack against Australia which we can take."

There is one chance to the starting pack, with Sam Underhill selected at open-side flanker after Tom Curry (concussion) was ruled out for the rest of the series.

Jones has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, with Wasps backrower Jack Willis added as they look to keep the series alive.

“We have had solid preparation this week and looking forward to an important game in Brisbane," Jones added.

“This game is the perfect practice for the World Cup and our focus is putting on our best performance.”

ENGLAND (1-15): Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Will Stuart, Maro Itjoe, Jonny Hill, Courtney Lawes (c), Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola, Jack Van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, Owen Farrell, Guy Porter, Jack Nowell, Freddie Steward

Reserves: Luke Cowan-Dicke, Mako Vunipola, Joe Heyes, Ollie Chessum, Lewis Ludlam, Sam Willis, Danny Care, Henry Arundell

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