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Nick Phipps says England 'more confrontational' than World Cup

Billy Vunipola  and Nick Phipps  scuffle during the first test in Brisbane
Image: Billy Vunipola and Nick Phipps scuffle during the first Test in Brisbane

Australia scrum-half Nick Phipps insists Eddie Jones' England are more confrontational than the team he faced at the World Cup last autumn.

Phipps started at No 9 in the Wallabies' record 33-13 victory at Twickenham in October and the 39-28 defeat in Brisbane on Saturday, a result that has left the hosts trailing 1-0 in the three-Test series.

Australian Jones, who replaced Stuart Lancaster after the World Cup, is determined for England to develop a spiteful streak and Phipps noted that antagonism in the tourists at Suncorp Stadium.

England's Marland Yarde is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Australia
Image: England's Marland Yarde is congratulated by team-mates after scoring against Australia

"They were definitely more confrontational than in the World Cup, but that's Eddie isn't it....he brings out the best in teams," Phipps said.

"They tried to get up in our faces and impose themselves on the game, which is great. We've got to relish that and enjoy it, weather it and get through it.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what happens on Saturday to see if they can back that up and if we can stand up to the challenge. It's going to be a great contest.

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"We want to play our style and not get dragged down into that scrappy affair that we saw in the first game and we also didn't do enough to get ourselves out of it."

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Phipps insists Australia will draw on the experience of the World Cup, when their presence in the group of death meant they could not afford to lose a match as they plotted a course to the final, to aid them in the potentially decisive second Test.

James Haskell (R) smashes back Australia's David Pocock
Image: James Haskell (R) smashes into Australia's David Pocock

"We've pretty much been underdogs for the last six years. We know this is an important game for us," Phipps said.

"There's pressure in every Test and we're embracing the opportunity to bounce back and know there are no second chances.

"The experience we had in the World Cup when there were no second chances pretty much every week is something we'll be able to use to our advantage."

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