Cockerill speaks out ahead of AUS vs ENG second Test

If the talk coming out of the England camp is anything to go by, the Wallabies will be bracing for a furious onslaught up front as Eddie Jones’ men look to even the series after defeat in the first Test.  

It was a scrappy performance by England last weekend as the men in white left the field two points adrift of the Wallabies.  

England forwards coach Richard Cockerill believes the secret to victory lies in the contest between the two forward packs and has indicated that Michael Hooper and co. are in for a long night. 

“We are very much sleeves rolled up and gum-shields in. We are coming here to win the game and we are very much up for the battle,” Cockerill said. 

“The forward battle is going to be key and let’s look forward to it. We’re an English pack and we want to get in the middle of it. 

“It’s about making sure that the battle of wills is really strong and we make sure that we don’t blink first. 

“Last Saturday we got what we deserved in the end, so we’ve just got to be better at what we do, be more consistent and do it more often. 

“We want it to be gladiatorial. We want it to be physical. That first clash is going to be great. Let’s go and see it. That’s what the game is all about. 

“Let’s enjoy the physical parts, the feisty parts and – within the laws of the game – let’s get into it.” 

Commenting on the much-talked about match-up between Ellis Genge and Taniela Tupou, Cockerill said: 

“Tupou has not played for a little while so he’d better turn up and perform if he is going to start challenging Ellis before the game. 

“When Genge gets the ball, they are going to want to whack him. When Tupou gets the ball, we are going to want to whack him. 

“Tupou is exceptionally explosive with ball in hand. It should be a good set-piece battle between him and Ellis. It all sets it up for a nice, tasty evening. 

“Ellis will get on with his game. We know those battles are going to be crucial. The physical battles up front are always crucial. We look forward to it. Bring it on.”