1 Nov 2013

Mowen to captain Australia against England, Quade Cooper is his deputy

6:06 am on 1 November 2013

Backrower Ben Mowen has replaced James Horwill as Wallabies captain for this weekend's rugby test against England at Twickenham.

Horwill has struggled for recent form and had Rob Simmons not been ruled out through injury, the Queensland Reds forward may even have lost his spot in the starting line-up.

Coach Ewen McKenzie says he wants the lock to concentrate on his own game instead of the captaincy.

Meanwhile first-five Quade Cooper was left speechless after McKenzie named him vice-captain.

It's quite a rise for Cooper who just last year named the Wallabies environment "toxic" under Robbie Deans.

Sitaleki Timani will partner Horwill in the second-row, while Matt Toomua retained his place at inside centre ahead of Christian Leali'ifano.

Wing Nick Cummins and flanker Scott Fardy have returned from injury.