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England forced into late change ahead of second Test
By PA
England suffered a setback shortly before their second Test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium when flanker Jack Willis was withdrawn from the bench because of a rib injury.
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Willis’ place is taken by Will Joseph, the London Irish centre whose promotion from outside the 23 changes the split between forwards and back among the replacements from six-two to five-three.
England have awarded debuts to centre Guy Porter and wing Tommy Freeman for their attempt to level the series after the Wallabies won the opener 30-28.
Eddie Jones has rolled the dice for England’s do-or-die second Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday by giving debuts to Guy Porter and Tommy Freeman.
In a shock overhaul of the threequarters, Porter comes in for Joe Marchant at outside centre and Freeman replaces the underperforming Joe Cokanasiga on the left wing.
Completing the trio of changes in the backs is Jack van Poortvliet making his full debut at scrum-half after being given the nod ahead of Danny Care.
The final adjustment to the side defeated 30-28 in the first Test in Perth is Sam Underhill filling the void at openside created by Tom Curry’s tour-ending concussion.
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Jones has opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs on a bench that includes teenage sensation Henry Arundell, who will be aiming to make another explosive cameo appearance.
“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,” Jones said.
“This game is the perfect practice for the World Cup and our focus is putting on our best performance.”
UPDATED ENGLAND TEAM: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Guy Porter, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Tommy Freeman, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Jonny Hill, 6 Courtney Lawes (c), 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Billy Vunipola
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Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Lewis Ludlam, 21 Will Joseph, 22 Danny Care, 23 Henry Arundell.
