Wallabies want 'to see how close England are as a team' amid rumours

Harry Wilson insists Australia are ready to put England’s unity to the test at Allianz Stadium on Sunday amid claims of unrest within the camp.

A report states that players sought showdown talks with head coach Steve Borthwick during the July tour because of a toxic environment and wanted Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney to hear their grievances.

Senior England players reacted furiously to the accusations, with Jamie George declaring they would prove their loyalty to Borthwick by delivering on the field against the Wallabies.

Wilson, who leads Australia into the Nations Championship showdown, believes any cracks will be exposed when the rivals clash.

“It could go one or two ways for them and I guess it’s on us to put them under pressure to see how close they are as a team,” Wilson said.

“We know how close we are, how much we care for each other and how much we love playing for our coaching staff.

“All I’m really worried about us. I just want us to keep caring for this jersey, keep caring for every person in our group.”

Australia have loaded their bench with three heavyweight forwards in Rob Valetini, Taniela Tupou and Carlo Tizzano, who will be tasked with diffusing England’s ‘Pom Squad’.

The Wallabies are looking for a major contribution from bulldozing back row Valetini in particular.

“It’s obviously different for Bobby, but it’s just genuine X-factor coming off the bench,” Wilson said.

“A lot of teams have some really strong players coming off the bench and I think we’ve got one of the best players in his position in the world there.

“If it’s close around that point when you have a player like him coming on, it gives the boys a lot of confidence.

“That’s what England did to us at Twickenham last year and hopefully Bobby can really spark us from the bench again this year.”