The door opens for a Twelvetrees return

England coach Stuart Lancaster insists the superior consistency of Billy Twelvetrees has tipped the scales after handing the Gloucester centre the No.12 jersey at Owen Farrell’s expense ahead of Saturday’s clash with Australia.

It has been quite a fall from grace for Saracens star Farrell, who started this year’s QBE Autumn Internationals as the Red Rose’s unopposed starting fly-half before losing his spot to George Ford for last week’s game against Samoa.

Against the Pacific Islanders Farrell, 23, started at inside centre but has fallen out of the starting XV who take on the Wallabies completely to make room for Twelvetrees.

But Lancaster has reassured the deposed half-back that the first-team door has not been slammed shut, as next year’s World Cup looms ever closer.

“Billy’s form and application in training, the way he has worked on his game – we’ve talked about consistency and he’s shown that,” said Lancaster. “Owen, by his own admission, has probably not been as consistent.

“That was the tipping point. Owen will play a different role off the bench, whether it be at No.10 or No.12, but I’m reassured now I can use him in both positions.

“He’s accepted that he’s not on top form, but he’ll contribute from the bench I’m sure, and will go away and work hard back at Saracens and he’ll be back pushing for that starting shirt in the Six Nations."

England will be hoping to make it third time lucky against SANZAR opposition this November, after losing to New Zealand and South Africa in consecutive weeks.

And following his promising first start in victory over Samoa the Wallabies, who were edged 26-23 in a thrilling encounter against Ireland last weekend, will be Ford’s first big test.

The Bath fly-half is an old friend of Farrell’s from their days together in schoolboy rugby, but Lancaster believes his new No.10 does not need a familiar face on his outside.

Lancaster added: “The Australia backline is high quality across the board. George has not got the support of Owen alongside him, but he has got Billy Twelvetrees, who I’m sure will help him.

“Those responsibilities of kicking and managing the game is big to put on a young player’s shoulders, but we all know the talent in him and feel now is the time to test him at the next level.

“In the Samoa game I felt we gave away some unnecessary penalties and put ourselves under pressure. Certainly the message this week has been about the important of discipline.”

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