Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has confirmed his team ahead of Saturday night’s do-or-die Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter Final clash with England in Oita.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has confirmed his team ahead of Saturday night’s do-or-die Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter Final clash with England in Oita.

Reece Hodge returns on the wing following a three-week suspension while rookie Jordan Petaia will start at outside centre.

Christian Lealiifano returns to the 10 jersey alongside Will Genia in the halves, in what will be the first start for the pair since the Wallabies’ 16-10 victory over Argentina in Brisbane in July.

Michael Hooper will captain the side in his 99th Test after he was a late withdrawal against Georgia last Friday, while Kurtley Beale has completed the World Rugby Graduated Return-To-Play protocols to be named at fullback.

Saturday’s clash with England will be the seventh meeting between the two nations at a Rugby World Cup with the ledger even at three wins apiece since Australia’s 19-6 win at the inaugural 1987 event.

The two proud nations are set for their 51st clash but the Quarter Final in Oita will mark just the third time they’ve met at a neutral venue.

The Wallabies have had a poor recent record against the Englishmen however, having lost the last six meetings since Australia’s dominant 33-13 victory at Twickenham in the pool stage of Rugby World Cup 2015.

Team List

1. Scott Sio (62 Tests)

2. Tolu Latu (18 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (36 Tests)

4. Izack Rodda (24 Tests)

5. Rory Arnold (25 Tests)

6. David Pocock (82 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (98 Tests)

8. Isi Naisarani (7 Tests)

9. Will Genia (109 Tests)

10. Christian Lealiifano (25 Tests)

11. Marika Koroibete (27 Tests)

12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (32 Tests)

13. Jordan Petaia (2 Tests)

14. Reece Hodge (38 Tests)

15. Kurtley Beale (91 Tests)

Reserves

16. Jordan Uelese (8 Tests)

17. James Slipper (95 Tests)

18. Taniela Tupou (18 Tests)

19. Adam Coleman (37 Tests)

20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (20 Tests)

21. Nic White (30 Tests)

22. Matt To’omua (51 Tests)

23. James O’Connor (51 Tests)

Story courtesy of Rugby Australia

WALLABIES TEAM TO PLAY ENGLAND IN QUARTER FINAL