Eddie Jones names England side to face Australia as Dylan Hartley is dropped

England head coach Eddie Jones reacts to win over Japan at Twickenham

England co-captain Dylan Hartley will start on the bench against Australia on Saturday with Jamie George wearing the hooker’s jersey, while Manu Tuilagi is set for his first appearance for two years after also being named among the replacements.

After his try-scoring debut in the 35-15 victory over Japan last week, Joe Cokanasiga retains his place on the wing with injuries ruling out Chris Ashton and Jack Nowell. Jonny May is on the other wing.

The back row comprises Sam Underhill, Brad Shields and number eight Mark Wilson, with replacement Nathan Hughes set for his first appearance in the November test series after returning from suspension.

Owen Farrell returns at flyhalf with Ben Te’o and Henry Slade outside him and George Ford on the bench.

“We’ve picked our best 23 for the Australia game,” said coach Eddie Jones, after making nine personnel and three positional changes to the side that beat Japan last Saturday.

“We know they have a unique style of attack so our ability to defend that is going to be important. We are continually working on our strengths which is our set piece and our defence and they are areas that are progressing nicely.” Reuters

Re-live the press conference as it happened:

[22 November 2018 12:35 · Jack de Menezes]

On Joe Cokanasiga:

It's a good opportunity, we've been really impressed. He came into the autumn without a cap and he's going to leave with two which is great for him.

[22 November 2018 12:36 · Jack de Menezes]

On Manu Tuilagi:

We trained yesterday afternoon and came through well so he's ready to go.

I think he skins everyone at the pool table so hopefully he can do that on the field too.

[22 November 2018 12:37 · Jack de Menezes]

On Jamie George starting:

We think it's the best order. We think Australia will come out how they come out, like a bull in a chine shop, and Jamie does that very well.

[22 November 2018 12:37 · Jack de Menezes]

On Dylan Hartley:

Well I think the last part of the game will be an arm-wrestle and Dylan's really good at that.

[22 November 2018 12:38 · Jack de Menezes]

On Nathan Hughes coming back from his ban:

He's in the best nick that we've seen. He's done his hard work via his tweet.

Will he be staying off Twitter from now on?

I think so.

[22 November 2018 12:38 · Jack de Menezes]

Farrell on Australia:

They'll come out firing and will be well up for the game. We've got to match that intensity and and come out on top.

[22 November 2018 12:39 · Jack de Menezes]

On facing Michael Chieka:

The funny thing is we're not playing each other, at least I don't think so, so it makes no difference.

[22 November 2018 12:41 · Jack de Menezes]

On Wigglesworth ahead of Danny Care:

They're all tough decisions. Danny can feel disappointed but we feel the end of the game will be very tight and Richard's decision-making around the ruck will be really key.

[22 November 2018 12:42 · Jack de Menezes]

On Itoje and Lawes starting together:

Maro, every game he looks like he's going to become the best lock in the world, he's really knocking on the door and every game he grows in stature.

It's good to have Courtney around too, we haven't seen him for a while so it's good to have him back.

[22 November 2018 12:42 · Jack de Menezes]

And that's it it. Short and sweet from Eddie Jones and Owen Farrell.