Coleman out, Enever in for England clash
Nov 17, 2017 - 4:34 PM Brumbies lock Blake Enever will make his shock Wallabies debut in the white-hot cauldron of Twickenham after Adam Coleman was ruled out because of an injured thumb.Enever, 26, who was only included in the spring tour squad following injuries to Rory Arnold and Isaac Rodda, was told on Friday morning of his inclusion.
Coleman, who sustained the injury against Wales last Saturday, came through training on Thursday and was subsequently named in the side by coach Michael Cheika.
However, after some last-minute line-out drills, the giant 26-year-old told Cheika he didn't feel fit enough to play against the world's No.2 team.
The absence of forward enforcer Coleman is a massive blow for Australia, with Enever, who started 10 of 13 matches from the bench in Super Rugby last year, preferred in the run-on side to Matt Philip.
Philip acquitted himself well when thrown into the action from the bench against Wales and Japan but Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper backed Enever to perform.
"I heard a good thing the other day - 'you're never ready, you're just ready enough'," Hooper said.
"I think when it comes to Test rugby, that's the situation a lot of players are in.
"You've never played a Test before, you run out on to the field.
"He has been impressing in training. He's been going about his work really well, his voice around the field has been something that has really impressed me and that's something you'll definitely need out here (at Twickenham)."
Hooper admitted the absence of Coleman was a big blow, not only to the team, but also to the 26-year-old who has suffered several injury setbacks in his short international career.
"He's being doing good stuff through the year," he said.
"He's been a leader in the line out, his physicality around the field has been fantastic.
"And just for him, he missed the back end of the tour last year and missed a couple of games he would have love to have played in this year.
"It's a little speed bump for Adam but seeing the way he came back from his injuries last year, he's really taken on to a lot of good work with his leadership skills and his physicality around the field."
Cheika has also confirmed the make-up of his bench with back-rower Lopeti Timani preferred to winger Henry Speight, who drops off the extended bench.
Source: AAP
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