Wallabies determined to break England jinx

Perth – Australia captain Michael Hooper (below) said yesterday that his team were steeling themselves to break a jinx against England, as the under-pressure visitors braced for an ambush in the opening Test in Perth.

The Wallabies have lost their last eight Tests against their bitter rivals since former Australia coach Eddie Jones took charge of England after the 2015 World Cup, including a 3-0 series whitewash six years ago.

But the hosts are favourites for the three-match series, which starts today, with England’s struggles this year heightening the pressure on Jones, who has admitted he is under the gun ahead of next year’s rugby World Cup in France.

The match is a golden opportunity for the new-look Wallabies, who have sprung selection surprises with lock Cadeyrn Neville and hooker David Porecki awarded debuts, to end their barren run and draw first blood.

“It’s a motivation to turn the ledger and we have three games at home,” Hooper told reporters in Perth.

“It’s a big occasion. We’re a different team in terms of personnel and staff (from six years ago).

“History hasn’t been in our favour for some time. We’re really excited.”

The Wallabies only arrived in Western Australia on Thursday having spent the past two weeks in a training camp on the Gold Coast in the northern state of Queensland.

“We don’t think we have been hiding,” Hooper said.

“It’s really great training conditions there. We just had a mini pre-season and we’re ready to go.”

England, conversely, have been in Perth for one week as they acclimatise to conditions, which have been a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius.

“It’s actually similar weather to England at the moment,” said captain Courtney Lawes.

But Lawes said England expected the temperature to be raised on the field against a determined opponent.

“I’d be surprised if they didn’t throw the kitchen sink at us and we’re very ready of all scenarios,” he said. –