England prop Corbisiero out of Australia clash
Published:England will be without the services of Northampton prop Alex Corbisiero when they take on Australia in the upcoming Autumn International at Twickenham.
The 25-year-old would have been one of the first names on England coach Stuart Lancaster’s team sheet after the front-row forward’s impressive displays for the Lions against Australia in both the first and third Test victories last summer.
However, Corbisiero suffered a twisted left knee while on Heineken Cup duty for Saints against Castres.
The former London Irish forward has failed to recover in time to face the Wallabies at HQ but should be ready to take the number one jersey for the clash with Argentina on the 9th November.
“Alex has not got back to on-field running yet, so he’s going to need more time,” said Lancaster.
“He will be a big miss. You saw the quality of his performances [against Australia for the Lions] coming on the back of an Argentina tour.
“He got himself into the Test team and made a significant impact as a starting loose-head.”
The Aussie scrum is an area England will look to attack after watching the Lions demolish the Green and Gold pack in the third and final Test back in June.
Corbisiero was a key component to Warren Gatland’s side’s victory in Sydney but on Saturday it will be up to the likes of Dan Cole, Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola to win the battle up front.
England should also be able to call upon hooker Dylan Hartley and prop David Wilson when the team is announced.
Whatever the make-up of Lancaster’s front-row, England have the props to win the physical battle upfront against an Australian side that have lost seven of their 10 matches this year.
Despite Australia’s recent good performances in victory over Argentina and defeat to World Champions New Zealand, Ladbrokes expect the Aussies to toil at Twickenham with England 4/9 favourites to triumph, while the visitors are 7/4 to repeat their victory of 12 months ago.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
