Sam Underhill will return to the England team this weekend, replacing Tom Curry after the Sale Sharks flanker pulled out of the tour with a concussion.
The USA-born back-rower was overlooked altogether for the 30-28 defeat last weekennd but is ahead the race to be selected at openside flanker ahead of Lewis Ludlam and Jack Willis.
“Sam’s work rate on and off the ball are excellent. He’s a really good defender, particularly with his chop tackles,” said Australian defence coach Anthony Seibold, who joined Eddie Jones’ coaching team in the autumn.
“He’s played at a high level. I’m thinking of New Zealand at Twickenham in 2018 and, watching his performances at the World Cup from afar, he was a standout for me.”
It’s also being widely reported that teenage sensation Henry Arundell is also in serious contention to replace Joe Cokanasiga on the left wing following his stunning debut try in the first Test.
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EXPECTED ENGLAND XV:
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
- 11. Henry Arundell (London Irish) for Joe Cokanasiga (Bath)
CENTRES:
- 13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
- 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)