England face France in Perth on Saturday (7.35am BST kick-off) in their second Rugby League World Cup match, after being thrashed by Tonga in their opener. England play Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30. Meanwhile, the England Women began their campaign with a big win over Wales in Perth.
England head coach Brian McDermott has made one change to his 19-man squad for Saturday’s clash with France.
England team news
AJ Brimson keeps the No 15 shirt at full-back, and Jack Welsby is again named among the interchange players. Luke Thompson starts at prop in the absence of Morgan Knowles, who was injured in the lead-up to the defeat to Tonga.
Veteran centre Kallum Watkins is among the reserves as he chases a cap at his fourth World Cup. Mikey Lewis returns to the bench after missing out on a place in the squad last time out.
Under World Cup rules, each side can name a six-player bench in each game, but only four of those six can be brought on. Against Tonga, Welsby and Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton were the unused substitutes. Wigan Warriors speedster Zach Eckersley was initially selected to start again, but Ashton replaced him on Thursday.
France make five changes
For France, Toulouse playmaker Thomas Lacans has been promoted to start at five-eighth, with Cesar Rouge moving to the bench. Romeo Tropis comes in at centre, pushing Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet out to the wing and leaving Leo Darrelatour out of the side.
Skipper Ben Garcia moves from hooker to lock, and Amir Bourouh joins the starting side at No 9. In the front row, Julian Bousquet comes in at prop for Lambert Belmas, who drops to the bench.
England Women make a half-back call
England Women head coach Stuart Barrow has made a surprise selection at half-back, naming 19-year-old Jenna Foubister at No 7 to partner Isabel Rowe against Australia on Saturday. Foubister was named Woman of Steel after a standout year in the Super League, and she came off the bench in last week’s win over Wales. Georgia Roche moves to the interchange as a result.
Molly Jones replaces Georgia Wilson in the centres, while Liv Wood steps in at prop for Mary Coleman. Lucie Sams is the new face on the interchange.
Australia name debutants
For Australia, Dragons recruit Makenzie Weale and former sevens star Sariah Paki are in line for Test debuts after being named on the interchange for the clash with England.
Coach Jess Skinner has made several changes to the side that defeated Samoa last week. Abbi Church comes in on the wing, and Julia Robinson shifts to centre. Jess Sergis has been rested, and Tiana Penitani Gray lines up in the back row with Kezie Apps rested. Quincy Dodd has also come onto the bench.