After facing each other four times in 2016, England and Australia meet for the first and only time this year when they clash at Twickenham.
Incredibly England won 4-0 in those matches – three of which were on Australian soil – as they looked a supreme side growing in confidence.
However, last week’s showing against Argentina was not in the script and it’s in fact the Wallabies coming into this game with their tails up. The reason being is that Australia are unbeaten in their last seven matches, defeating New Zealand 23-18 and most recently Wales 29-21.
There’s two ways to look at England’s opening performance this month but we view it that few teams easily put Argentina away in resounding victories. Therefore, coupled with Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje coming back into the squad this week, England shouldn’t get overly critical.
Farrell – along with Itoje a World Rugby Player of the Year nominee – is part of the spine of this English squad and the former especially is such a key man for Eddie Jones. Taking the pressure off George Ford not only kicking for goal but in game management, his impact taking over from Henry Slade will be visible from minute one. Talking of Slade, he’s the unlucky one in dropping out as Jonathan Joseph was poor last time out.
England do appear to be missing the powerful Ben Te’o in midfield but one attribute they’re not short on this Saturday is speed and if the likes of Ford and Farrell and find their men, look out for the pace of a back-three of Elliot Daly, Jonny May and full-back Anthony Watson.
There’s special attacking talent in gold too though as Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete and Reece Hodge continue their fine years and a win at Twickenham would leave a watching Israel Folau applauding with his feet up. Make no mistake this Wallaby backline is developing nicely.
In truth not enough credit has gone the way of Michael Cheika. He’s built a side that was low on confidence and depth and made them into one of the serious challengers for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Will Genia looks a new player while Adam Coleman has grown and grown in 2017 – losing the latter due to injury is a real blow to their cause.
It’s therefore all set up for a thrilling game at Twickenham – unlike last week – and there’s no doubt the spectators in the ground and at home will be treated to an entertaining and expansive match. Can England make it five wins in a row against Australia? Will the Wallabies take another step in the right direction before heading to Murrayfield? These questions and more will be answered come Saturday afternoon.
Players to watch:
For England: Of course Owen Farrell is a stand-out but having been mentioned already we look elsewhere here and to the wing. The returning Jonny May has been in electric form this season for Leicester Tigers and was voted player of the month for October. There’s no substitute for pace, as they say, and May has it to burn and could prove a handful for Australia. Given a sniff he will fancy his chances of scoring.
For Australia: Losing Adam Coleman to injury so close to kick-off is a major blow as he’s been in such dominant form in 2017 and, coupled with lock depth not being strong at the moment, the Wallabies desperately needed him to get the green light. In comes Blake Enever in his place and he needs to form a strong partnership with Rob Simmons as their battle with Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje is definitely a crucial area.
Head-to-head: Speaking of key battles at Twickenham we look at number eight here as two powerful carriers, Nathan Hughes and Sean McMahon, face off. Both are in strong form and look as fit as they’ve ever been. That bodes well for busy shifts from the duo in terms of hit ups.
Previous results:
2016: England won 37-21 at Twickenham
2016: England won 44-40 in Sydney
2016: England won 23-7 in Melbourne
2016: England won 39-28 in Brisbane
2015: Australia won 33-13 at Twickenham
2014: England won 26-17 at Twickenham
2013: England won 20-13 at Twickenham
2012: Australia won 20-14 at Twickenham
Prediction: Australia are heading in the right direction under Cheika but we just feel the hosts may squeeze out the win. England by four.
The teams:
England: 15 Anthony Watson, 14 Jonny May, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 1 Mako Vunipola
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Danny Care, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Semesa Rokoduguni
Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Marika Koroibete, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Reece Hodge, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 Sean McMahon, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Blake Enever, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Ben McCalman, 21 Lopeti Timani, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 Karmichael Hunt
Date: Saturday, November 18
Venue: Twickenham
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), George Clancy (Ireland)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)
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