Wallabies face test of depth as they look the secure series victory over England
And against France again last year, the Wallabies won again in Brisbane but dropped the second Test in Melbourne. A Noah Lolesio penalty goal decided the series back in Brisbane.
With fly half Quade Cooper a late scratching just minutes before kick-off in Perth, the Wallabies lost fullback Tom Banks to an arm injury and prop Allan Ala'alatoa to concussion, while lock Darcy Swain was sent from the field via a red card and is now serving a two-week suspension.But in naming his side on Thursday, Rennie was forced into making more changes than just those that were obvious from the first Test of the year.
Centre Len Ikitau had limited opportunities in Perth, but in naming the side without him, Rennie conceded that Ikitau had suffered calf soreness in the series opener."He tried to run this morning. He's really close but we didn't want to risk anything and confident he'll be right for next week." Tupou returns for Ala'alatoa in the front row. Plenty thought lock Matt Philip should have started last week and he comes straight in for the suspended Swain.
Concerned about his team's breakdown performance in Perth — and already down openside Tom Curry, who has returned home to manage his concussion recovery — England coach Eddie Jones has picked an extra backrower in a 6-2 forwards-back split on the reserves bench that leaves no need for guessing his side's game plan.Bath flanker Sam Underhill comes straight into Curry's number seven jersey and Wasps backrower Jack Willis is the extra forward on the bench.
Uncapped Northampton back Tommy Freeman is something of a surprise inclusion on the left wing in place of Joe Cokanasiga, where many thought teen sensation Harry Arundell might be promoted after scoring with his first touch last week.
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