England hand out two debuts as Underhill returns
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Sam Underhill of England during the 2020 Guinness Six Nations match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus)
Eddie Jones has handed England debuts to Guy Porter and Tommy Freeman, as Sam Underhill comes in for concussed Tom Curry at openside.
Porter’s fellow Leicester Tiger Jack van Poortvliet will start for the first time, having appeared off the bench in England’s defeat last week, while Henry Arundell remains among the substitutes.
Australia make a string of enforced changes, as Matt Philip replaces the suspended Darcy Swain in the second row, Hunter Paisami comes in at centre, with Tom Wright and Jordan Petaia into the outside backs, at wing and full-back respectively.
Though the wait for Underhill to appear alongside Curry in the two flanker roles continues – stretching back to 2019 where it worked so well in their World Cup campaign – many will be delighted to see Underhill back in the team for his breakdown presence.
When asked about how England can improve, it is where Underhill put his focus for the second test as England look to level the series.
“We controlled areas of the game pretty well for a decent chunk of the game but ultimately penalties and discipline cost us,” Underhill said.
“Whether the breakdown was more competitive than we thought it would be or not, we didn’t adapt to the interpretation at the breakdown.
“You can’t have an attack without a functioning attacking breakdown and vice versa – you can’t defend indefinitely, so the breakdown is a pretty good area to target if you want to stifle an attack.
The final of Australia’s enforced changes, but one where they will be delighted with the replacement, sees Taniela Tupou come in to replace the injured Allan Ala’alatoa.
It will stabilise the Wallabies upfront, who for periods struggled to cope with England’s sizeable and experienced pack in the first test, and provide a fascinating scrum battle with England loosehead Ellis Genge – a shining light on an otherwise miserable day for the visitors.
England coach Jones channelled his focus towards the backs however, and though he has not changed the controversial decision to pair Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell at 10 and 12 respectively, he is confident the changes he has made in the backline will make a difference to England’s struggling attack.
He said: “We have decided to make changes in our backline, they were tough calls but we feel they will strengthen the team.
“There are opportunities to attack against Australia which we can take.”
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