Guernsey Press

England hold full-blooded training session as they prepare for Australia

The clash that was due to be played in Yokohama on Saturday fell victim to Super Typhoon Hagibis and was declared a draw.

Published
Last updated

England have sought to overcome any loss of momentum caused by the cancellation of their World Cup group decider by engaging in a full-blooded training session on the day they would have been facing France.

The all-Six Nations clash that was due to be played in Yokohama on Saturday fell victim to Super Typhoon Hagibis and was declared a draw, sending both teams into the quarter-finals.

England will face Australia in Oita and have begun preparations in Miyazaki, the setting for their pre-tournament training camp.

Jamie George and his team-mates have been sidelined by the weather
Jamie George and his team-mates have been sidelined by the weather (Adam Davy/PA)

“It was a tough session,” Saracens hooker Jamie George said.

“All of our game training sessions try to go above and beyond Test match intensity and that was pretty tough in the heat here.

“It was good, the boys looked sharp and we are building nicely towards getting to where we want to be.

England coach Eddie Jones (left) and Australia coach Michael Chieka will meet again
England coach Eddie Jones (left) and Australia coach Michael Chieka will meet again (Paul Harding/PA)

England depart for Oita on Monday with Eddie Jones due to name his team on Thursday.

“These games are hugely exciting – there was a sense of that last week against Argentina and then there was bitter disappointment on the Thursday when we found out we wouldn’t be playing France,” George said.

“Now there’s the opportunity for us to turn that disappointment into excitement leading into Australia.

“It gives us a few extra days to prepare and get our plans into place slightly earlier so that we can fly into the quarter-finals.”

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.