Joseph back for England against Australia

Jonathan Joseph returns to bolster the England midfield in the critical Pool A match against Australia on Saturday, one of three changes to the side that lost to Wales last weekend. Despite speculation that he would play no further part in the pool stages, the Bath centre has shrugged off a rib injury to take part in a game that is a must-win for England if they hope to make the quarter-finals.

Joseph’s return has bumped Brad Barritt back inside to his preferred no12 jersey, with Sam Burgess dropping to the bench. The selection of Barritt and Burgess in the midfield was seen as having a significant impact on the score from the weekend, and English fans will be delighted to see Joseph’s name back on the team sheet.

Two further changes, both enforced, come in the pack. Ben Morgan’s timely return from a bang to the knee sees him restored to the no8 shirt in place of Billy Vunipola, whose own knee injury has ruled him out of the tournament. Courtney Lawes is yet another with a bad wheel, and he misses out with Joe Launchbury coming to the second row beside Geoff Parling.

England last defeated Australia in 2012, a 20-14 victory at Twickenham. If Wales defeat Fiji in Cardiff today, England must win on Saturday to remain in the tournament.

ENGLAND
1 Joe Marler 2 Tom Youngs 3 Dan Cole 4 Joe Launchbury 5 Geoff Parling 6 Tom Wood 7 Chris Robshaw (capt.) 8 Ben Morgan 9 Ben Youngs 10 Owen Farrell 11 Jonny May 12 Brad Barritt 13 Jonathan Joseph 14 Anthony Watson 15 Mike Brown

16 Rob Webber 17 Mako Vunipola 18 Kieran Brookes 19 George Kruis 20 Nick Easter 21 Richard Wigglesworth 22 George Ford 23 Sam Burgess