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England make four changes, including debuts for Porter and Freeman
By Liam Heagney
Eddie Jones has made four changes to his England team for Saturday’s second Test versus Australia, handing surprise debuts to Guy Porter at centre and winger Tommy Freeman while also giving scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet his first Test start at the respective expense of the excluded Joe Marchant and Joe Cokanasiga and the benched Danny Care. The other alteration sees Sam Underhill named at openside in place of Tom Curry, whose tour was ended by a concussion in Perth.
England, who were beaten 30-28 in their Test series opener, have also reconfigured their bench, going for a six/two forwards/backs split this weekend rather than five/three with the addition of back-rower Jack Willis. He has taken the spot filled last weekend by the unused Porter.
The only other bench change is Care, who started in week one and now provides cover on this occasion for the promoted van Poortvliet, a try-scorer on his debut. There is no upgrade, however, for the much-talked-about Henry Arundell, another debut try-scorer in Perth, as he has been held in reserve for the second successive week despite all the hype.
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.”
ENGLAND (vs Australia, Saturday)
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 (capt)
7. Sam Underhill
8. Billy Vunipola
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Joe Heyes
19. Ollie Chessum
20. Lewis Ludlam
21. Jack Willis
22. Danny Care
23. Henry Arundell
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