Tomkins to face Australia

Wigan half-back Sam Tomkins has been named in the England side to face Australia on Saturday.

Tomkins, 20, replaces fellow youngster Richie Myler in the team following last weekend’s opening victory over France.

The game will be played at the DW Stadium in Wigan, Tomkins’ home ground with the Warriors.

Australia must win the game to keep alive their hopes of reaching the final, following their 20-20 draw with New Zealand last weekend.

Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree has been named on the bench by Tony Smith.

Tomkins is partnered at half-back by Grand Final winning stand-off Danny McGuire, who is one of five Leeds players in the starting line-up – together with Lee Smith, Ryan Hall, Jamie Peacock and Kevin Sinfield.

St Helens‘ James Roby has been named at hooker while team-mate Kyle Eastmond has been named as a substitute. There is no recognised hooker on England‘s interchange bench.

Meanwhile, Australia coach Tim Sheens has called up experienced back-rower Nathan Hindmarsh for the clash, and will also hand debuts to hooker Robbie Farah, hooker Luke Lewis and prop David Shillington.

Forwards Ryan Hoffman and Sam Thaiday miss out.

England: S Briscoe (Hull KR); T Briscoe (Hull), Smith (Leeds), Shenton (Castleford), Hall (Leeds); McGuire (Leeds), Tomkins (Wigan); Morley (Warrington), Roby (St Helens), Graham (St Helens), Ellis (Wests Tigers), Peacock (Leeds, captain), Sinfield (Leeds). Substitutes: Burgess (Bradford), Crabtree (Huddersfield), Eastmond (St Helens), Westwood (Warrington).

Australia: Slater; B Morris, Inglis, Hodges, Hayne; Lockyer (capt), Thurston; Civoniceva, Smith, Hannant, Watmough, Gallen, Hindmarsh. Replacements (from): Farah, White, Lewis, Shillington, Waterhouse, Gidley.