Nowell starts for England

By Mark Stevens
23/6/2016

Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell has again been named in the England starting line-up for Saturday’s final test against Australia in Sydney.

Winger Nowell lines-up an England side which shows just one change from that which defeated the Wallabies in Melbourne last Saturday.

The sole changes sees Northampton Saints’ back-row forward Teimana Harrison start in place of James Haskell (Wasps) who has not recovered from a foot injury sustained in the bruising second test at AAMI Park.

England are determined to complete a clean-sweep in the three-match series having already won the previous two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne to retain the Cook Cup.

“You have to work extremely hard to earn an England cap so there was no temptation to make changes for the sake of change,” said England head coach Jones. “To play for England you have to be in the best 23 and that’s what this selection represents.

“Teimana comes into the side at seven for James Haskell whose foot hasn’t quite recovered from Saturday. Teimana has trained well throughout the tour and deserves his spot. He’s an excellent defender and his robustness will be important to us at the start of the game. Jack Clifford is unlucky to miss out, but will finish the game for us.

“We’ve treated this week like a dress rehearsal for the World Cup because that what we’re always building towards. To win a World Cup you have to win three big games in a row – we’ve won two so this third game is the most important game we’ll play all year. It will be a good indication of where we are as a team.

“The players have enjoyed being in Coogee this week and the attitude to training has been absolutely first class. They have been inspired by the challenge of playing better for the last game. Credit has to go to the coaching staff, particularly Steve Borthwick, Paul Gustard, Neal Hatley and Glen Ella who have worked tirelessly to keep improving this squad of players.

“We’re looking forward to playing in front of a full house at Allianz Stadium on Saturday and we are confident we can finish the job off with a win.”

England match-day 23 to face Australia at Allianz Stadium

15. Mike Brown (Harlequins, 51 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 42 caps)
11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 16 caps)
10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 60 caps)
1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 34 caps)
2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 74 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 64 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 6 caps)
5. George Kruis (Saracens, 17 caps)
6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 50 caps)
7. Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 28 caps)

Replacements

16. Jamie George (Saracens, 7 caps)
17. Matt Mullan (Wasps 12 caps)
18. Paul Hill (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
19. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 34 caps)
20. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 48 caps)
21. Jack Clifford (Harlequins, 7 caps)
22. Danny Care (Harlequins, 61 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 4 caps)