Why Hill is the Pom that Jones fears most

Richard Hill has a secret admirer. The England flanker is the only player Australian coach Eddie Jones would like to transplant into his World Cup team.

Given the one-eye nature of the locals, it's an extraordinary compliment.

It also serves as a timely reminder about just how important Hill is to England's cause in Saturday's World Cup Final against Australia - only his second game in six weeks because of a persistent hamstring injury.

Despite this lack of match practise, Hill put in a herculean effort against France in last Sunday's semi-final and will be asked to prove his excellence again in the final.

Jones has selected specialist open sides George Smith and Phil Waugh against the English back row and despite his obvious support for his own men he said: "Richard Hill is the player I really admire. He is the glue that binds the England team together and, if I was to pick on of their guys, he would be the one.

"Hill has the ability to play in all three back row positions which is pretty amazing. If you need him to play the game tough up front then he does it. If you want him to get wide and support the play out there then that's exactly where you will find him. He has really made a difference to the England team since his return."

Jones denied Australia would have been happy for Hill's hamstring injury to have flared up again, believing the tournament needed the best players in the world to be appearing in the showpiece final.

"We want to see the best and Hilly is one of the very best," Jones added. "We respect him greatly."

Hill, who is sporting three stitches around his right eyebrow, has found it impossible to steer clear of the team doctor's sewing kit in recent seasons and there is every possibility he will be spilling yet more blood for the national cause on Saturday.