England takes on Australia in Rugby World Cup

ENGLAND faces a must-win contest against Australia on Saturday if they are to proceed in the Rugby World Cup.

After Wales won its third straight game, holding on to beat Fiji 23-13 on Thursday in Pool A, the English could be eliminated from their home tournament if they lose to Australia on Saturday.

On a five-day turnaround from an amazing 28-25 win over England, Wales came away with another win against Fiji.

Stuart Lancaster, England coach, has told reporters that he will take “full responsibility” if England do not beat the Wallabies.

“This is the biggest game of my career. If we don’t win, we don’t qualify for the next stage. But I have to make sure the players are not focusing on the size of the game,” he said.

Jonathan Joseph has been recalled to the England starting line-up replacing Sam Burgess at Number 12. Number 8 Ben Morgan and lock Joe Launchbury replace injured pair Billy Vunipola and Courtney Lawes.

England face the prospect of becoming the first sole host nation not to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup if they are beaten by Australia.

The Wallabiesmade 14 changes to the team that scored 11 tries against Uruguay in a 65-3 victory on Sunday.

Open-side flankers Michael Hooper and David Pocock, who impressed in the opening win against Fiji by providing a dual threat at the breakdown, both start again for Michael Cheika’s side.