Luther Burrell ready for battle against Australia after England call

By PA Sport

Image: Luther Burrell could start for England against Australia next month

Luther Burrell is ready for the "big collisions" that await in Australia as he targets a starting role as England's midfield battering ram for the first Test against the Wallabies.

Burrell has been chosen ahead of Ollie Devoto to replace the injured Manu Tuilagi in the 32-man squad that heads Down Under on Tuesday following a try-scoring performance in the 27-13 victory over Wales at Twickenham

The Brisbane opener on Saturday week is now a realistic objective for Burrell, who could be the beneficiary if head coach Eddie Jones drops George Ford in favour of moving Owen Farrell from inside centre to fly-half.

"Against Wales you could see soon as we get on the front-foot, we want to pound the gainline," Burrell said.

"You are putting your body on the line, you are going to take collisions and some of the contacts against Wales were massive.

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Eddie Jones launched a vigorous defence of fly-half George Ford's performance after the win over Wales

"We know that with the back-row Australia have, we are going to take some big collisions. It's a high tempo, high intensity game plan that we want to have in place.

"It was fantastic to get back for England. I'm going to enjoy every moment and opportunity I get.

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"Eddie he will be picking the players who are performing and training best. I will continue working hard, keep grounded and work closely with the coaches and grasp any opportunity I can get."

Jones felt his side showed that they could be tactically flexible in their 27-13 victory over Wales

Burrell was omitted from the first squad named by Jones in January on the grounds of being "grossly overweight", so while England were completing their first Grand Slam since 2003 he began shedding the 8kg demanded by the Australian.

"The beauty of Eddie is that he's a very honest bloke. If you're not pulling your weight then he won't beat around the bush, he will tell you," added Burrell.

Image: Burrell appreciated Eddie Jones' honesty after missing out in January

"He's been in constant contact with me. He's been brilliant with me and my development.

"He's a fantastic bloke and the way we want to play, we want to be at the highest intensity and taking teams to a place they don't really like."

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