Care returns for England's decider against Australia
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Danny Care has been reinstated as England scrumhalf with their Test series against the Wallabies to be decided in Sydney on Saturday.
The veteran has come back into the starting XV at the expense of youngster Jack van Poortvliet, who helped engineer an England win in Brisbane to level the series.
Care started the series opener in Perth two weeks ago, and England coach Eddie Jones has opted for his experience with the Ellis-Mobb trophy on the line at the SCG.
But it’s a surprise given that 21-year-old van Poortvliet was one of the visitors’ best at Suncorp Stadium.
In other changes, lock Ollie Chessum will make his starting debut with Maro Itoje unavailable after a head-knock, while Lewis Ludlam is the new starting openside flank with Sam Underhill also suffering concussion.
Back-row Nick Isiekwe could make his first appearance in the series after being included in the reserves.
Guy Porter, who captained Sydney University and only shifted to England at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been retained at outside centre.
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“We’ve had a squad of 36 this tour who have competed hard and we’re really proud of their efforts,” England head coach Eddie Jones said.
“We go into this Test with a strong squad of 23. It’s a young, inexperienced but together group who have developed well throughout this series.
“We want to play with purpose and energy to win the series and a historic Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.”
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Guy Porter, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Tommy Freeman, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Lewis Ludlam, 6 Courtney Lawes (captain), 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Ollie Chessum, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Jack Willis, 21 Jack van Poortvliet, 22 Will Joseph, 23 Henry Arundell.
Date: Saturday, July 16
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.55 (10.55 UK & Ireland time; 09.55 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Hart (New Zealand)
