Farrell over Ford is 'horses for courses '

Jones, after he named his team for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, spoke of a 'horses for courses ' approach.

Jones kept Maro Itoje in the second row for the opening Test of the three-match series despite speculation he would move the rising star to blindside flank.

The same pack took the field when England beat France in Paris to win the Six Nations earlier this year.

"The selection's becoming more difficult as we go on," Jones said.

"We've got 32 players competing for 23 spots and some of the guys who played exceptionally well against Wales [in a warm-up match] are not even in the 23, let alone the 15.

"It's a good indication of the growing depth of England rugby."

Jones's decision to keep Itoje at lock means Chris Robshaw retains his No.6 jersey alongside James Haskell and Mako Vunipola in the back row.

Robshaw and Haskell will be tasked with keeping tabs on the mobile Australian back row, and number eight David Pocock in particular.

"Pocock's an exceptional player and he's always going to be a threat," Jones said.

"If he's playing on Mars he's going to be a threat.

"We know we've got to cope with him, but it's part of the game and we'll deal with him."

Owen Farrell won the nod at flyhalf over George Ford, but Jones said he expected Ford to play for the last 20 minutes.

Jones said it was a matter of horses for courses and that Farrell was well-equipped for the expected physicality of the contest.

"It's more about how we want to play in the first Test of the series," he said.

"It's going to be a physical game and we've picked a backline that we think is going to cope with that for the first 50 or 60 minutes, but George will play a significant part in the game."

Harlequins flier Marland Yarde was selected on the wing ahead of Jack Nowell, who will start on the bench.

Jones said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"This tour presents a great opportunity for the team to learn, and improve, and keep working towards our goal," he said.

"We're playing an Aussie team that's second-ranked in the world, coached by the world's best coach (Michael Cheika) so it's a great challenge for us."

Agence France-Presse