Australia and England to clash in the summer

Friday 19 March 2010
Published By: Amy Nicholson
International Rugby > Australia

Australia and England will go head to head in two clashes Down Under this summer, it has been announced.

The two games will be part of a five-match tour in the southern hemisphere which will also see Martin Johnson's men take on the Australian Barbarians twice and the New Zealand Maori in a one-off fixture.

Johnson said the tour presents England with a "great opportunity" to test themselves against some of the best in the world, whereas RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew said that fringe players can stake a claim for a shot at the Webb Ellis trophy.

"It will give England squad members an excellent opportunity of experiencing a full tour before they potentially get selected for the [2011] Rugby World Cup," Andrew added.

Australia will be looking to follow up their impressive victory against England in last year's autumn internationals; an 18-9 triumph at Twickenham thanks to tries from Genia and Ashley-Cooper.

Posted by Amy Nicholson