England vs Australia: David Pocock and Michael Hooper return for Wallabies for crunch clash at Twickenham

Pocock and Hooper return as part of 14 changes to the side that will face England on Saturday night

Nick Purewal
Thursday 01 October 2015 10:32 EDT
Comments
Australia flanker David Pocock
Australia flanker David Pocock (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Australia have paired the double threat of Michael Hooper and David Pocock in a bid to blitz England at the breakdown in Saturday's crucial World Cup battle.

Head coach Michael Cheika has picked the same team that saw off Fiji 28-13, making 14 changes from the 65-3 procession against Uruguay.

The Wallabies may have the chance to dump England out of the World Cup at the pool stage and consign Stuart Lancaster's men to the history books as the tournament's worst-ever performing hosts.

Cheika has duly shown no mercy, with contact-area specialists Hooper and Pocock preparing to outgun England over the ball, with the hosts still struggling to get their breakdown work in order.

"We've been working hard each day this week to improve our game before we play England on Saturday," said Cheika.

"I believe that this group has been really clear on where we must improve and the level we must be at to compete with England and we know that it's going to be a very tough challenge.

"The group is really committed to making all Australians truly proud of how we represent them at this Rugby World Cup and Saturday night will be another opportunity for us to do that."

Australia will name their replacements bench after training on Thursday.

Australia team to face England: I Folau, A Ashley-Cooper, T Kuridrani, M Giteau, R Horne, B Foley, W Genia, S Sio, S Moore (capt), S Kepu, K Douglas, R Simmons, S Fardy, M Hooper, D Pocock.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in