One change as McDermott sticks with his core
Brian McDermott has limited himself to a single adjustment for England's second Rugby League World Cup fixture, against France in Perth on Saturday morning British time. Mikey Lewis, who was left out of the squad entirely for the opening match, is restored to the bench. AJ Brimson continues at full-back, Jack Welsby remains among the interchange options, and Luke Thompson steps up to start at prop because Morgan Knowles picked up an injury in the build-up to the defeat by Tonga.[S1][S2][S3][S4]
Kallum Watkins, a veteran centre, is again listed among the reserves as he pursues an appearance at what would be his fourth World Cup. Tournament rules permit each team to name six replacements per match, though only four may actually take the field. Against Tonga, Welsby and Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton were the two substitutes who never came on, and Wigan Warriors flyer Zach Eckersley had been pencilled in to start until Ashton took his place on Thursday.[S1]
France reshuffle their spine and pack
France have made more extensive alterations. Thomas Lacans, the Toulouse playmaker, is promoted to start at five-eighth, with Cesar Rouge dropping to the bench. Romeo Tropis enters at centre, pushing Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet out to the wing and leaving Leo Darrelatour out of the side. Captain Ben Garcia shifts from hooker to lock, Amir Bourouh takes the No 9 jersey, and Julian Bousquet comes into the front row at prop in place of Lambert Belmas, who is named among the replacements.[S1]
Foubister handed shock start for England Women
In the women's competition, England head coach Stuart Barrow has made a surprise call at half-back, selecting 19-year-old Jenna Foubister to wear No 7 alongside Isabel Rowe against Australia on Saturday. Foubister, named Woman of Steel after an outstanding Super League season, came off the bench in last week's victory over Wales, and Georgia Roche moves to the interchange as a consequence. Molly Jones replaces Georgia Wilson in the centres, Liv Wood takes over at prop from Mary Coleman, and Lucie Sams is the new addition to the bench.[S1]
Australia coach Jess Skinner has also reshuffled, with Dragons signing Makenzie Weale and former sevens international Sariah Paki in line for Test debuts from the interchange. Abbi Church comes onto the wing, Julia Robinson shifts to centre, and Jess Sergis is rested. Tiana Penitani Gray is selected in the back row with Kezie Apps also rested, while Quincy Dodd joins the bench. England Women opened their campaign with a convincing win over Wales in Perth.[S1]
