England coach Tony Smith has dropped boom forward Sam Burgess to the bench and named hometown hero Sam Tomkins at halfback for Saturday's Four Nations clash against Australia in Wigan.

Burgess, the 20-year-old Bradford sensation wooed by Hollywood star Russell Crowe to join NRL side South Sydney next season, has swapped places with James Graham, who will start alongside Adrian Morley at prop with skipper Jamie Peacock shifting to the second row.

Tomkins - the Super League rookie of the year - replaces teenage playmaker Richie Myler in the No.7 jumper, while James Roby will start the game at hooker in placed of the dumped Scott Moore.

"Richie has still got a bit of a head knock but Sam was going to get a chance this week," Smith told reporters at the team's Manchester hotel.

"It gives us a chance to compare the two and decide which way we go for the final week.

"I've got lot of faith in both those young men but it's Sam's go this week."

England, who beat France 34-12 last Friday night, will qualify for the final if they win either of their remaining two matches against Australia or New Zealand.

Team: Shaun Briscoe, Tom Briscoe, Lee Smith, Michael Shenton, Ryan Hall, Danny McGuire, Sam Tomkins, Adrian Morley, James Roby, James Graham, Gareth Ellis, Jamie Peacock (capt), Kevin Sinfield. Interchange: Sam Burgess, Eorl Crabtree, Kyle Eastmond, Ben Westwood.

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