Monday 24 November 2014 19:34, UK
Exeter No 8 Thomas Waldrom has been called into Stuart Lancaster’s 31-man England squad for this weekend’s clash with Australia.
Waldrom, who has been in superb form for the Chiefs, scoring seven tries in eight Aviva Premiership matches, replaces Billy Vunipola who suffered concussion in Saracens’ defeat to Northampton on Sunday.
Stephen Myler, who kicked 16 points in Saints’ victory, returns to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury and Leicester lock Graham Kitchener is also included. Second row Courtney Lawes remains with the squad as he tried to shake off a knee knock he suffered in a bruising encounter with Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday.
Vunipola was dropped for the 28-9 victory over Samoa - Gloucester's Ben Morgan started in his place - and was unlikely to figure in the climax to the autumn against the Wallabies.
"Billy will undergo the graduated return to play protocol at his club," read a statement released by England.
Head coach Lancaster names his matchday 23 on Tuesday evening and has already stated he will keep changes to a minimum.
Blindside flanker James Haskell had a quiet game against Samoa so could make way for Tom Wood when Lancaster announces the starting XV on Thursday morning, but the most intriguing selection will be at inside centre.
George Ford's fine full debut means he will start against the Wallabies, leaving Owen Farrell to battle it out with Billy Twelvetrees for the number 12 jersey.
Scrum-half Danny Care, wing Semesa Rokoduguni and centre Kyle Eastmond were released from what was originally a 34-man squad later on Monday and they will all be available for Friday night's Aviva Premiership match between Bath and Harlequins at the Recreation Ground.
Forwards: Joe Marler, Matt Mullan, Kieran Brookes, David Wilson, Dylan Hartley, Rob Webber, Dave Attwood, Graham Kitchener, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, Calum Clark, James Haskell, Ben Morgan, Chris Robshaw, Thomas Waldrom, Tom Wood
Backs: Lee Dickson, Richard Wigglesworth, Ben Youngs, Brad Barritt, Luther Burrell, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Stephen Myler, Billy Twelvetrees, Mike Brown, Alex Goode, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson, Marland Yarde
