Michael Cheika has reverted to the identical starting lineup that faced Fiji for the massive Pool A match against England on Saturday. If Australia defeat England, it could spell curtains for the host side, having lost to Wales in dramatic fashion on the weekend.
The Wallabies, meanwhile, enjoyed a cozy run-out against Uruguay, winning by a 62 points, the highest margin of the tournament to date, all while fielding an entirely different XV than the one during the week. Injuries to Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu were disappointing results, but should not affect Australia’s chances significantly moving forward, with neither considered first choice by Cheika.
Australia have had a miserable run of form against England of late, winning only two of six matches since 2010, and dropping the last pair, both also played at Twickenham. Their last meeting was a 26-17 final in favour of England in November of last year.
Cheika will name his replacements following training on Thursday.
AUSTRALIA
1 Scott Sio 2 Stephen Moore (capt.) 3 Sekope Kepu 4 Kane Douglas 5 Rob Simmons 6 Scott Fardy 7 Michael Hooper 8 David Pocock 9 Will Genia 10 Bernard Foley 11 Rob Horne 12 Matt Giteau 13 Tevita Kuridrani 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper 15 Israel Folau
reserves t.b.a.