body-container-line-1

International Rugby Preview: England v Australia

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News International Rugby Preview: England v Australia
NOV 27, 2014 LISTEN

The stakes are high any time Australia and England meet, but Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has surprisingly left out centre Joseph Tomane to give Rob Horne a chance in the backs.

Tomane has impressed on Australia's tour of Europe, which started with wins against Barbarians and Wales.

Three-point defeats to France and Ireland have followed, though, as new coach Cheika gets to grips with international rugby.

Cheika led the Waratahs to Super Rugby glory this year and has no issue sticking by his selection principles as he continues to assess his squad options ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup - also held in England.

"I could have brought Joe back because he's done nothing wrong, he's played very, very well," Cheika is quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.

"But it's just a chance to give Rob Horne a game, he's played well all season. I'm sure he'll do a good job, he's very motivated. He has an opportunity now.

"I want to take opportunities [to see new players] while I'm here, I'm never going to get to see them in this environment otherwise and I would just be guessing [at the World Cup next year].

"I've never been scared to make a few different decisions around selection. I'm happy to give these young guys a go and they're going to be the future as well."

In the Wallabies last match for seven months, Tevita Kuridrani (ankle) will miss out while James Horwill is in doubt with a similar problem.

Rookie flanker Sean McMahon has been called up and lock Rob Simmons will play his 50th Test.

England's November matches have not gone to plan either, with defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.

They beat Samoa 28-9 last week, though, and tighthead prop David Wilson is out to finish the year on a high.

"We've played some quality sides in New Zealand and South Africa and we're disappointed to have lost," Wilson told Sky Sports.

"The pressure is on to win every international, but if we beat Australia it would make the autumn a lot sweeter.

"We've performed well but haven't done well enough to be on the right side of the scoreboard.

"Australia are very good tacticians at the scrum. They'll come up with anything to get the edge. I'm sure they'll have a few tricks up their sleeves."

England have the recent edge on the Wallabies, having won three of the last four meetings.

body-container-line