Australia switch Jordan Petaia to outside centre for England quarter-final as Reece Hodge returns

Jumping for joy: Jordan Petaia will start for Australia against England in Oita
Getty Images
George Flood17 October 2019

Australia have named their team to face England in Saturday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Oita, with teenager Jordan Petaia set to switch position as Reece Hodge returns from suspension.

19-year-old Petaia - Australia's youngest World Cup player of all-time - moves from the wing to outside centre, where he will form a midfield partnership with Samu Kerevi.

Hodge is selected on the right flank after serving a three-match ban that followed his citing for a dangerous tackle on Peceli Yato in the Wallabies' opening Pool D win over Fiji and Kurtley Beale retains his place at full-back after passing the necessary return to play protocols following a head injury sustained against Georgia in Shizuoka.

Will Genia and Christian Lealiifano are paired together at half-back and Dane Haylett-Petty misses out on the matchday squad altogether despite scoring three tries at the tournament so far.

After being rested last week, captain Michael Hoooper returns at No7 and along with usual scavenging partner David Pocock will contest a crucial battle at the breakdown against England duo Tom Curry and Sam Underhill.

Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa replaces Sekope Kepu in the only other change to Michael Cheika's forward pack.

Australia have lost all of their last six matches against Pool C winners England, though did memorably beat them at Twickenham during the pool stage of a disastrous 2015 World Cup for the hosts.

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