Australia team to face England in World Cup quarter-final

Jordan Petaia scores a try for Australia v Uruguay at World Cup Jordan Petaia is the youngest Wallaby to score at a World Cup (David Davies/PA)

Teenager Jordan Petaia will start at outside centre for Australia in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against England.

The 19-year-old is Australia's youngest Test centre since Jason Little 30 years ago.

He also becomes the first player born this century to feature in a Rugby World Cup knockout game.

He moves from wing to midfield, with Reece Hodge returning after serving a three-match suspension.

Hodge was banned following his citing for a high tackle on Fiji's Peceli Yato in the Wallabies' opening World Cup fixture last month.

Other changes see half-backs Christian Lealifano and Will Genia both start, plus skipper Michael Hooper, who wins his 99th cap, and prop Allan Alaalatoa.

Full-back Kurtley Beale, meanwhile, starts after completing graduated return-to-play protocols.

Saturday's encounter in Oita is the countries' seventh World Cup meeting, with the current head-to-head standing at 3-3.

But Australia have lost their last six games against England since beating them at Twickenham during the 2015 World Cup.



Australia team to play England

Forwards: 1 Scott Sio, 2 Tolu Latu, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Izack Rodda, 5 Rory Arnold, 6 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper (Captain), 8 Isi Naisarani

Backs: 9 Will Genia, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Marika Koroibete, 12 Samu Kerevi, 13 Jordan Petaia, 14 Reece Hodge, 15 Kurtley Beale

Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 21 Nic White, 22 Matt To'omua, 23 James O'Connor

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