Courtney Lawes to captain England in first Test against Australia

Courtney Lawes has been named as England’s captain for Saturday’s first Test against Australia in Perth, with Eddie Jones favouring the blindside flanker for the role rather than the returning Owen Farrell. Danny Care and Billy Vunipola have also been named to start while Henry Arundell is a surprise inclusion on the bench despite his apprentice status in the squad.

Farrell comes back into the side at inside-centre for a first England appearance since November, also against the Wallabies, but Jones’ decision to stick with Lawes represents a sea change. Farrell has held the role since 2018 but in his absence this season, Tom Curry and Lawes have both filled in and Jones has opted to stick with the latter. The last time Farrell played for England without holding the captaincy was during the 2018 Six Nations but Lawes has proved a popular leader among the squad.

Care gets the nod to start his first Test since appearing against Japan in November 2018, having featured off the bench against the Barbarians earlier this month, while Billy Vunipola comes straight in at No 8, having made his last England appearance in the 2021 Six Nations. The 19-year-old Arundell, meanwhile, is joined on the bench by the uncapped Leicester duo Jack van Poortvliet and Guy Porter in an eye-catching set of replacements, with all three set for a first appearance.

Jonny May has been omitted from the squad having tested positive for Covid last week, with Joe Cokanasiga and Jack Nowell on the wings. Making up the backs are Marcus Smith at fly-half, Joe Marchant at outside-centre and Freddie Steward at full-back. Up front, Ellis Genge, Jamie George and Will Stuart comprise the front-row, Jonny Hill joins Maro Itoje at lock and Tom Curry is at openside