MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 05:08:50| >> :600:257636:257636:
Autumn Internationals | Autumn Internationals
Nov 24, 2018 at 3pm UK
 
England
37-18
Australia
May (3'), Daly (44'), Cokanasiga (56'), Farrell (76')
FT
Folau (36', 81')

Tuilagi to make England return after being named on bench for Wallabies clash

Tuilagi to make England return after being named on bench for Wallabies clash
© Reuters
The Leicester centre has recovered from a groin injury to take his place among the replacements.

Manu Tuilagi will finally make his first appearance of the autumn when England face Australia at Twickenham on Saturday after being picked on the bench alongside Dylan Hartley.

Tuilagi missed the opening three Quilter Internationals because of a groin strain and was rated "highly unlikely" by Eddie Jones to play against the Wallabies, but is poised to end his two-year absence as a second-half replacement.

England have been cautious over his fitness due to the run of serious injuries that have ravaged his career and were forced to withdraw him from the bench against South Africa due to the latest setback suffered in training.

In a surprise selection, Leicester's powerhouse centre is joined among the replacements by England co-captain Hartley, who sees Jamie George win the race to start at hooker.

Whenever England have played top opposition under Jones, Hartley has been first choice in the position – status he has held since 2014 – but is now confined to a supporting role.

The 32-year-old started the Tests against South Africa and New Zealand earlier this month, but deputised for Japan's visit to Twickenham and was expected to be restored to the starting XV for the climax to the autumn.

Dylan Hartley will be alongside Tuilagi on the bench (Andrew Matthews/PA).
Dylan Hartley will be alongside Tuilagi on the bench (Andrew Matthews/PA).

Jack Nowell was due to be named on the right wing only to be ruled out by what is thought to be a hamstring injury, giving Joe Cokanasiga the chance to win his second cap.

Ben Te'o returns at inside centre as one of nine changes made to the side that laboured to a 35-15 victory over Japan.

The first choice half-back pairing of Owen Farrell and Ben Youngs are reunited, while Jonny May is back on the left wing as England target a sixth successive victory over Australia.

Jack Nowell will miss the Australia game through injury (Adam Davy/PA).
Jack Nowell will miss the Australia game through injury (Adam Davy/PA).

Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje form the second row partnership, Brad Shields features at blindside flanker and Sam Underhill will look to pick up where he left off against New Zealand in the number seven jersey.

"We've picked our best 23 for the Australia game. We know they have a unique style of attack so our ability to defend that is going to be important," Jones said.

"We are continually working on our strengths which is our set piece and our defence and they are areas that are progressing nicely.

"I'm really happy with the direction we're going in terms of the way we play the game.

"We are developing a unique style of rugby, which is English and the players are proud to play that way.

"Australia we know are a traditional rival and we enjoy the occasion of playing them at Twickenham. The spirit of the fans has been outstanding."

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Duncan Bech, Press Association Sport England Rugby Correspondent');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '361caee4-d11f-45e5-b71a-790aa2fbbf16');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:uk,paservice:sport:world');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:rugby-union');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Tuilagi to make England return after being named on bench for Wallabies clash'});

ID:342117: cacheID:342117:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:10471:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manu Tuilagi during an England training session on November 7, 2018
Read Next:
Tuilagi faces make-or-break training session to prove fitness for Wallabies game
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!