Rugby Australia was unable to negotiate directly with O’Connor’s club Leicester or Hooper and Ikitau’s club Exeter for a potential release for the England Test, as both clubs would face a fine. All players are available to play in Italy next Saturday.
Perhaps mindful of Jorgensen’s late match-winning try last year at Twickenham, England coach Steve Borthwick has named a strong bench featuring British and Irish Lions Will Stuart, Fin Smith, Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Henry Pollock and Tom Curry.
The Wallabies have welcomed back some heavy hitters ahead of facing England.Credit: Getty Images
As expected, Hunter Paisami retains his place at inside centre after impressing in Japan, with Kellaway starting at fullback to allow Max Jorgensen to move back to wing, after featuring as the Wallabies’ last man in defence for two consecutive Tests against New Zealand.
Wallabies prop Angus Bell gets his second consecutive Test start, after providing ballast from the bench in nine Tests this year. Schmidt has opted for Tom Robertson as front row bench cover alongside Alaalatoa and hooker Josh Nasser.
Powerful second-rower Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will take his place on the bench after recovering from a rib injury sustained in Toyko, with back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny also named as a replacement ahead of Carlo Tizzano.
“The group travelled well to London earlier in the week and have had a couple of trainings ahead of this weekend’s Test,” Schmidt said.
“The coaches have tried to balance this year’s tough schedule in terms of Test matches and travel, so it was great to freshen a few players up last week and we hope that allows the group to be really competitive on Saturday.”
MORE TO COME
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