Farrell and Itoje

irrelevant. It’s Australia versus England. That’s the only thing that counts,” said Cheika.

“It’s not about fun with Eddie or anyone.”

England could be without Mike Brown, the full-back going through return-to-play concussion protocols after an aerial collision with Joaquin Tuculet on Saturday that led to the Puma being sin-binned. Anthony Watson, who filled in at No15 for 58 minutes after Brown’s exit, would be the likely stand-in.

Brown was included in the 35-man squad named last night, along with another absent Lion, Worcester centre Ben Te’o, who will continue his rehab from an ankle injury with England until Wednesday.