Care and Chessum come in for England in decider at SCG
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 10: Danny Care of England looks dejected following the NatWest Six Nations match between France and England at Stade de France on March 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Danny Care returns to the England starting line-up and Ollie Chessum makes his first start as England head to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the deciding test against Australia.
It is the first time England’s national rugby team have visited the SCG for a game in 47 years, the ground that traditionally plays host to the final test of the Ashes series when England’s cricketers make their quadrennial visit.
For England boss Eddie Jones, a keen cricket fan who grew up near to the ground, it is an exciting opportunity to coach at a ground he remembers fondly from his youth, in what is likely to be the last ever rugby test played there.
“This is the chance for us to even the ledger at the famous old ground. I’ve got great memories going out and watching Souths [New South Wales] play and watching many an Ashes Test series there,” Jones said.
“I was there when John Snow knocked out Terry Jenner and there was a bit of discourse going on between the fans and John Snow. And I was watching when Ian Chappell strode on the first time as Australia captain.
“That’s how we want to play on Saturday, like Ian Chappell did – walk on to the field, own it and play with plenty of purpose and plenty of energy. Play together.”
Chessum comes in with Maro Itoje heading home following a concussion, as Lewis Ludlam starts at openside with Sam Underhill on his way back to England for the same reason.
Despite impressing last week, Jack Van Poortvliet drops to the bench for Danny Care, but Guy Porter and Tommy Freeman – who also made their first starts in Brisbane – are retained for the crucial game.
Commenting on the selection, and alluding to his prior comments related to “‘purpose” and “energy”, Jones said the selection of Care was related to the speed of ball England are hoping to generate, as they look to entertain fans in a crucial test match, much like the hard-fought decider of the State of Origin Rugby League series played between Queensland and New South Wales.
“We feel there will be some quick ball at the start of the game that Danny can take advantage,” he added.
“It is great for rugby that we have a decider. We saw how big the decider was in State of Origin and how it has captivated fans.
“We want to put on a show of a similar ilk against Australia, a really good tough game of rugby played at a historic ground and light rugby up a bit.”
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