Horwill axed as Wallaby captain

Australia lock James Horwill has been axed as captain of the Wallabies for Saturday's match against England at Twickenham.

Australia lock James Horwill has been removed as captain of the Wallabies for Saturday's match against England at Twickenham.

Horwill, who has 43 caps, has been told to rediscover his best form by coach Ewen McKenzie.

The 28-year-old's play has been questioned over recent weeks, but following an injury to Rob Simmons, Horwill has retained his place in the starting XV as he looks set to partner Sitaleki Timani.

Horwill lead Australia at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and against the British and Irish Lions earlier this year, before being selected again to captain the Wallabies by new boss McKenzie when he took over at the beginning of The Rugby Championship.

Brumbies number eight Ben Mowen will now instead lead the Wallabies against England this weekend, with Quade Cooper surprisingly selected as vice-captain ahead of the experienced Will Genia.

Matt Toomua has seen off the challenge of Christian Lealiifano for the number 12 jersey, whilst Nick Cummins returns on the opposite wing to Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Scott Fardy comes in a blindside flanker after recovering from injury.

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben Mowen (c), 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 James Horwill, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Sepoke Kepu, 19 Kane Douglas, 20 Ben McCalman, 21 Nic White, 22 Christian Lealiifano, 23 Bernard Foley.

Date: Saturday, November 2
Venue: Twickenham
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Romain Poite (France), Dudley Phillips (Ireland)
TMO: Marshall Kilgore (Ireland)