England's job not done yet says Alex Corbisiero

Alex Corbisiero reflects on England's series win in Australia and discusses whether England can complete a series whitewash

Alex Corbisiero believes England should be proud of their series win over Australia but insists the job is not done yet.

Eddie Jones' men followed up their first test win in Brisbane victory with a 23-7 defensive masterclass to go 2-0 ahead and seal a series victory down under with a game still to play.

But for 19-times-capped prop Corbisiero despite the enormity of the achievement, there is still lots left to play for when England take to the Allianz Stadium turf on Saturday.

"It is a huge win, I think its England's first win, and it's massive" Corbisiero told Sky Sports News.

"I think the Australians are so hard to beat, they have held out and haven't lost a test series over there for a very very long time and for England to be the first team to go and do it is very impressive.

Advertisement
Stuart Barnes looks ahead to England's third and final Test of the series against Australia and any potential changes to the starting fifteen

"I think they have taken two games by the scruff of their neck, they have put some impressive scores on the scoreboard, the tries they have scored and their set-piece has been very dominant in the forwards like we have seen. I think those boys should be very very proud at something special.

"You saw from Dylan [Hartley] in his first interview: 'The job's not done yet, one more.' So that message is going to be coming from that England squad.

Also See:

"That Australian squad are going to come out of the blocks flying, they've got nothing to lose, their pride has been hurt, the national press are going to be all over their back and the pressure is going to be on them.

"England need to go out there and rise to the occasion but they will be under no illusions, they will be expecting a big reaction."

Live International Rugby Union

Despite having the series victory comfortably sealed up, Corbisiero expects to see a familiar look side in Sydney on Saturday, one that he believes will include injury doubt James Haskell.

"I don't think it will be a massive chop change," said Corbisiero. "You've got James Haskell, Jack Nowell who are carrying knocks. I think James Haskell's is his foot or his toe, I expect him to play.

"I think he has been influential in those victories and, knowing him as a player, I doubt he will want to sit on the sideline. I'm pretty sure he will suit up and get out there.

Image: Corbisiero believes James Haskell will feature in the third test despite currently being in a protective boot

"Jack Nowell with the concussion, you can never quite call it going through the return to play protocol and hopefully it goes well, but that one is probably more of a wait and see later in the week.

"But I fully expect James [Haskell] to play and I don't think he will change massive amounts going into the game. He will want to go out there, win, make a statement and let the boys then enjoy their time off."

Outbrain