AINS FOR OZ DUO
Wallabies plunged into chaos by axing
ENGLAND will face a Wallabies outfit in disarray after Kurtley Beale and Adam AshleyCooper were axed for inviting three women to their hotel room.
The incident occurred in Newport a fortnight ago after Australia’s defeat by Wales.
One of the women involved is thought to have been AshleyCooper’s sister-in-law with the others believed to be her friends.
The women were out of the hotel by 10.30pm but team rules state guests are not allowed in players’ rooms.
Australia coach Michael Cheika said: “The leadership group came to me in the week and asked me to deal with it in a way I thought was appropriate and I thought this was the appropriate way.
“I felt if you keep a grey area there then it gets bigger so I may as well make a stand on it.
“We’re gonna cop a heap of grief – probably a little bit more after today for sure – but you’ve gotta love it. You can’t help but enjoy that. We’ll give back as good as we get.
“I’ll be doing everything I can to make sure you are writing about an Australian victory.”
Beale, a former Wasp, has been in hot water before having come close to the sack in 2014 for sending an inappropriate text message to a female employee.
Lose
Ashley-Cooper, 34, had only just been brought back after two years out of the squad.
Defeat by England would seal a dismal 2018 for the visitors who have lost eight of their last 12 Tests.
In another blow for the Aussies, danger man David Pocock, who destroyed England in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, was ruled out with a neck injury. England No.7 Sam Underhill admitted Pocock’s absence could be crucial.
“He’s a very good player,” said Underhill. “The threat he poses at the breakdown is huge. It’ll be a different balance not having him. It’s a big loss for them.”
The biggest roar at Twickenham is likely to come when Manu Tuilagi makes his long-awaited return to England off the bench.
England captain Owen Farrell is relishing the moment.
“I’m chuffed for him, to put himself in a position to play international rugby again, and I’m looking forward to seeing him out there,” said Farrell.
“He’s a game-breaker. He can make something happen out of nothing. When you play against him, it’s normally not very nice.”