Coach Eddie Jones has surprised many by moving flyhalf George Ford to the bench for England's quarterfinal bout with Australia.

The move comes at a time when a lot of people feel that Ford has been one of England's best players in this World Cup. Owen Farrell will move to flyhalf from inside center, with Manu Tuilagi sliding from outside to inside center and Henry Slade coming into the #13 shirt. 

It's a strange decision by Jones, but the man has had success everywhere he's been using his mind games and oddball tactics. It is worth noting that England used the combination of Farrell-Tuilagi-Slade four times during the Six Nations, going 2-1-1 in the process.

It's likely that Eddie wants to beef up his defense in the midfield, particularly with the threats posed by Australia #12 Samu Kerevi and young bolter Jordan Petaia at #13. 

Ford is not quite as defensively sound as Slade, and it seems England are willing to sacrifice his attacking qualities for a boost on defense. 

However, England fans will remember the 2015 World Cup when former England boss Stuart Lancaster elected last-minute to drop Ford to the bench for games against Wales and Australia. Ford had been playing quite well up till those matches, and subsequently England were beaten in both matches and eliminated. 

Mako Vunipola also gets the start, indicating the two-time British Lion has returned to his full fitness following struggles with injury over the past few months. 

ICYMI | Eddie Jones has named his side to face Australia in the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup in Oita on Saturday.

? 815am BST, ITV

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