Key Wallabies return for Rugby World Cup showdown against England at Twickenham

Oct 1 • General News, International, Rugby World Cup, RWC 2015, World Rugby • 1383 Views • Comments Off on Key Wallabies return for Rugby World Cup showdown against England at Twickenham

Michael Cheika has named an unchanged starting line-up from the Wallabies’ opening match against Fiji to face England at Twickenham, London on Saturday (6:00am Sunday AEDT).

The fourteen changes to the starting XV from the team’s most recent Pool A clash with Uruguay includes the return of Wallabies Captain Stephen Moore for his 98th Test appearance, while Adam Ashley-Cooper and Michael Hooper will once again share the vice-captaincy.

Starting the tournament with a double against Fiji, David Pocock will start his third match at number 8 this season, in what is now familiar surroundings for the 27-year-old.

The Wallabies go into the match against the home nation looking to build on their first two performances in the tournament.

“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 (the same starting team that ran out against Fiji) 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.”

Cheika will name his eight-man bench following the Wallabies training session at Dulwich College in London today.

Australia’s third Pool A match at Rugby World Cup 2015 will be screened LIVE in Australia on FOX SPORTS 502 from 5:00am, and GEM from 5:45am AEDT on Sunday.

Rugby World Cup 2015 Match 26: Wallabies starting XV to play England at Twickenham, London
Saturday, October 3, 8:00pm local time (6:00am Sunday AEDT)

1. Scott Sio (12 Tests)
2. Stephen Moore (c) (97 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (58 Tests)
4. Kane Douglas (18 Tests)
5. Rob Simmons (55 Tests)
6. Scott Fardy (25 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (vc) (47 Tests)
8. David Pocock (51 Tests)
9. Will Genia (61 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (22 Tests)
11. Rob Horne (28 Tests)
12. Matt Giteau (97 Tests)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (26 Tests)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc) (109 Tests)
15. Israel Folau (34 Tests)

*Reserves to be confirmed