England recall George Ford and Jack Nowell for second Test against Australia

By Ben Reynolds

Image: George Ford will start at fly-half for England in the second Test

George Ford and Jack Nowell have been recalled to England's starting XV for the second Test against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday.

Ford returns at fly-half, pushing Owen Farrell to inside centre, while Nowell is reinstated on the wing in place of Marland Yarde.

Luther Burrell, who lasted just 29 minutes of the 39-28 win in the first Test on Saturday, drops out of the 23-man squad altogether. 

Image: Jack Nowell is also recalled in place of Marland Yarde

Coach Eddie Jones has named an unchanged pack, with Saracens hooker Jamie George, Harlequins back-row forward Jack Clifford and Wasps centre Elliot Daly all included as replacements. 

Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw will win his 50th England cap having made his debut against Argentina in 2009.   

Advertisement

"We've picked a 23 to get the job done in Melbourne," said Jones. "Throughout the week the players have shown they're desperate to wear the red rose which meant some close calls on selection.   

Image: Chris Robshaw will win his 50th cap in Melbourne

"It's a 23 that suits the way we want to play at AAMI Park. George and Owen playing together gives us two great kicking options and Jack is a high work-rate player. Jamie, Jack and Elliot have shown huge desire this week and deserve their spots on the bench. 

Also See:

"As soon as we came off the field in Brisbane our thoughts turned to Melbourne and I'm pleased with how we've prepared as the week has progressed. The players have recognised the importance of going up another level and have trained with a real intensity and purpose.

Ford admits the squad enjoyed their first test win against Australia, but every player is now ready for the second match

"We weren't satisfied with last weekend's performance and we know there's lots to improve on, particularly aspects of our defence and breakdown work, which we're confident we've remedied. 

"We know the job isn't done. We came here to win a Test series and that's what we intend to do. Australia will try and throw everything at us on Saturday and we'll be ready for the challenge." 

Live International Rugby Union

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 James Haskell, 8 Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Courtney Lawes, 21 Jack Clifford, 22 Danny Care, 23 Elliot Daly.

Outbrain