England v Australia: Tane Edmed to start at fly-half for Australia at Allianz Stadium
Tane Edmed will start at fly-half for Australia when they take on England at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen and Taniela Tupou were recalled after last weekend’s win against Japan.
But with the fixture falling outside the official international window, the Wallabies are still without several Europe-based players, including fly-half James O’Connor, lock Will Skelton and center Len Ikitau.
Edmed has started just three Tests in his new Wallabies career and will face a tough test against England’s hugely experienced George Ford on Saturday.
The 25-year-old, who has quit his NRL contract to pursue his rugby union career, is believed to be out for matchday 23 as his opponent, fly-half Carter Gordon, is struggling with a quad strain.
Hamish Stewart will provide cover fly-half on the bench.
Former rugby league star Suaalii made an eye-catching start to his test debut in last season’s dramatic 42-37 win at Twickenham with a high ball as Jorgensen set up to score the winning try on the final play of the match.
In the absence of Ikitau, who has been in outstanding form for Prem side Exeter, Hunter Paisami will continue his central partnership with Suaalii.
Nicknamed ‘Tongan Thor’, 23-stone, tight-headed prop Tupou last played for the Wallabies in their defeat against New Zealand in September.
Regular captain Harry Wilson returns to the number eight jersey, while Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight complete a strong back row. Last week’s captain Nick Champion and Crespigny are also among the reserves.
Australia finished the Rugby Championship in third place with two wins from six matches and beat Japan 19-15 in Tokyo on Saturday with a much-changed team before flying to England.
The Wallabies, ranked seventh in the world, will also face Italy, Ireland and France this autumn.
“The coaches have tried to balance this year’s challenging schedule in terms of Test matches and travel,” head coach Joe Schmidt said.
“It was great to freshen up a few players last weekend and we hope this will enable the group to be really competitive on Saturday.”
Starting from XV: Kellaway; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Paisami, Potter; Edmed, Gordon; Bell, Pollard, Tupuo, Frost, Williams, Valentini, McReight, Wilson (captain).
Replacements: Nasser, Robertson, Alaalatoa, Salakaia-Loto, Champion de Crespigny, Lonergan, Stewart, Daugunu.
