England open their November campaign under huge pressure as they face Australia in the Nations Championship.
England’s senior players were forced to issue a strong defence of head coach Steve Borthwick this week after a report suggested that they had lost faith in their boss amid a toxic atmosphere in camp during the summer. Captain Maro Itoje and deputy Jamie George were among those to come out firing for Borthwick, promising to produce a performance that showed their unity and spirit.
It heightens the tension for a visit from a Wallabies team full of threat. Australia may have been well beaten by New Zealand in two Bledisloe Cup clashes last month but have already achieved a success over South Africa in the short tenure of Les Kiss, and will surely spy an opportunity against a home side facing a few tough questions.
Follow all of the latest from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
Read MoreSteve Borthwick faces vital autumn – but is English rugby doomed to fail?
The breakdown battle that could decide England vs Australia
Jamie George issues furious response to claim England have lost faith in Steve Borthwick
England v Australia LIVE
- England host Australia in Nations Championship | Live on ITV
- Furious England players have insisted they back Steve Borthwick after report of unrest
- Dangerous Wallabies eyeing more success after recent victory over South Africa
- 43' TRY! Jack van Poortvliet runs in after Tommy Freeman pass [ENG 26-10 AUS]
- 40' TRY! Max Jorgensen races for breakaway try from interception to give Wallabies hope on stroke of half-time [ENG 19-10 AUS]
- 34' TRY! Joe Heyes surges over following a maul as England dominating [ENG 19-3 AUS]
- 27' TRY Ollie Chessum barrels over in the corner [ENG 12-3 AUS]
- 8' TRY! Jamie George becomes England's record try-scoring forward with driving maul score [ENG 5-0 AUS]
WATCH: Van Poortvliet secures bonus point for England
16:20 , Luke BakerHere’s that perfect start to the second half from England. A lovely attacking score
Big start to the half for England! 🏴
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) November 8, 2026
Lovely attacking move, and Jack van Poortvliet makes up for Jorgensen's try with a score of his own. 💪 pic.twitter.com/l4AOKRmrR3
England 26-10 Australia, 46 mins
16:18 , Luke BakerEngland win the ball back straight away from kick-off and Pollock carries again! He’s loving life on the wing.
Van Poortvliet then surges into the 22 but the Wallabies scramble and turn the ball over
Henry Pollock makes an impact in novel role
16:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamWelcome to the Henry Pollock experience. That is something quite sensational from England, striking in three phases from their own 22 with their wing forward making metres with his first carry after replacing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and then everything flowing from there. How England have missed the attacking assertiveness of George Furbank over the last couple of years – excellent decision-making there to make the most of the space and connect with Tommy Freeman.
TRY! England 26-10 Australia (Jack van Poortvliet, 43 mins)
16:15 , Luke BakerGLORIOUS FROM ENGLAND! What a response to the Wallabies try before half-time. Bonus point secured!
After that Pollock carry down the left, England fly to the right and George Furbank cuts through the defensive line down the right before offloading to Henry Slade. Tommy Freeman then finds another gap and flips a glorious pass back inside to Jack van Poortvliet who races over the line. Redemption after throwing the interception for Jorgensen’s breakaway score.
Fin Smith adds the conversion and England are dominating here.
England 19-10 Australia, 42 mins
16:14 , Luke BakerEngland have long talked about Henry Pollock and Ben Earl being able to play in the backline. Putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to Pollock at least.
England run the ball from deep and Pollock gets the ball on the left wing. He barrels through a couple of tackles and spins his way to halfway.
KICK-OFF! England 19-10 Australia
16:13 , Luke BakerBack underway for the second half and a HUGE half-time sub. As feared, Manny Feyi-Waboso can’t continue after being injured in that Angus Bell hip-drop tackle and Henry Pollock has been brought on for him!
The chippy Northampton Saints back rower will be playing 40 minutes on the wing...
WATCH: Angus Bell's hip-drop tackle
16:11 , Luke BakerGet used to this. World Rugby’s new guidelines have outlawed hip-drop tackles and this from Angus Bell is a pretty textbook example.
It may look innocuous compared to what we’re used to but it’s dangerous (as proven by Manny Feyi-Waboso getting injured here) and World Rugby are keen to nip it in the bud. Feyi-Waboso appeared to still be feeling the after-effects of this when he limped off at half-time, by the way.
🟨 Yellow card and an off-field review for Angus Bell for a hip drop tackle. pic.twitter.com/HluegtKn9J
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) November 8, 2026
WATCH: First-half highlights
16:08 , Luke BakerHere are the tries from that first 40 minutes - it was great from England until right at the end.
History-maker. 👑
Jamie George gets over to become England's top try-scoring forward 💪 pic.twitter.com/UEcwmeMgxU
Chessum in the corner! 😤
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) November 8, 2026
Been sloppy stuff from both sides, but England put Australia on the back foot, and the ball is spread wide to Chessum for England's second. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/qtEpjuzkdW
All England here at the Allianz! 🌹
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) November 8, 2026
The men in white take advantage of the Wallabies' sin bin, and Joe Heyes scores their third try 🏉 pic.twitter.com/GQFAKDmBWf
Huge moment for the Wallabies at the end of the half!
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) November 8, 2026
Max Jorgensen intercepts a pass from Jack van Poortvliet, and Australia reduce the deficit to nine points going into the break. 🏉 pic.twitter.com/C45RMPA8GP
HALF-TIME! England 19-10 Australia
16:01 , Luke BakerAnd that’s half-time. An almost perfect 40 minutes from England but with the clock in the red, they concede a frustrating breakaway try to Max Jorgensen to give the Wallabies a sniff.
However, that shouldn’t take away from all the good in that first half. They’ve totally controlled the game and Manny Feyi-Waboso has been the msot dangerous player on the pitch whenever he’s touched the ball. Three tries and even with that late blow, they’re in a great position
A bitter blow for England
16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamHorrible echoes of the last two years for England with an Australia wing racing away for an intercept try. Harry Potter’s snatch and score proved the only points the Wallabies mustered 12 months ago, but that feels more significant – England dominated that half, really, and will be desperately disappointed to so softly turn a sizeable advantage into something more slender in the flash of a poor Jack van Poortvliet pass.
A worry, too, is that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is quite badly limping down the tunnel. He hasn’t appeared at all fit since that Angus Bell tackle, with Australia unable to get the ball out to that wing to test him. I’d be (pleasantly) surprised if he re-emerges.
TRY! England 19-10 Australia (Max Jorgensen, 40 mins)
15:57 , Luke BakerOut of nowhere! And shades of two years ago as Max Jorgensen scores an intercept try!
The Wallabies have offered next to nothing this entire half but they’re back in the game on the stroke of the break. Jack van Poortvliet with a lazy pass to his left, Jorgensen spots it, grabs the interception and races 50 metres for the score.
Jorgensen’s first Test try broke England hearts as he surged away down the left flank with the clock in the red to win the game here in 2024 and his 11th gives his side a shot.
Conversion added and Australia head to the break somehow within nine points
England 19-3 Australia, 39 mins
15:56 , Luke BakerWhat is Declan Meredith doing?! The Australian fly half is so casual in chasing back a kick through and Tommy Freeman sneaks up on him with the ball in the in-goal area.
The England winger dives round his opponent and gets hands on the ball but kncks it on as he tries to dot it down. Close to disaster!
England 19-3 Australia, 39 mins
15:54 , Luke BakerAustralia have a lineout in the England 22. A great chance but they execute poorly and England turn it over. They run from deep before winning a penalty and now have a platform in opposition territory
England 19-3 Australia, 38 mins
15:54 , Luke BakerThe foul play review officer has looked at Angus Bell’s hip-drop tackle and determined it will stay a yellow. No upgrade to a 20-minute red, which I think is fair.
England 19-3 Australia, 36 mins
15:52 , Luke BakerI don’t think the Wallabies have had a single carry in the England 22 yet. Or very few at least. They at least have some ball in the England half here but it’s very narrow and static. England’s defence is well-drilled.
TRY! England 19-3 Australia (Joe Heyes, 34 mins)
15:51 , Luke BakerEngland are FLYING now! Australian ballast in the sin-bin and England take advantage.
The maul from the lineout marches forward and inwards before the Wallabies finally stop it a couple of metres short. But Joe Heyes is alert, takes the ball from Jamie George, breaks off the side and surges to the line, diving over for a third try. Class.
Fin Smith adds the conversion. Superb half from England
A first in Test rugby
15:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamThere’s the first penalty for a hip-drop tackle in Test rugby. World Rugby have cracked down on the technique, which can cause serious injury – the fact that it was indirect contact, and without huge force, should mean that it is just a yellow for Angus Bell.
Fortunately for England, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso appears to be carrying on – remember, Henry Pollock is their wing cover today...
World Rugby confirms changes to dangerous tackle law ahead of Nations Championship
SIN-BIN! England 12-3 Australia (Angus Bell, 33 mins)
15:49 , Luke BakerYep. Referee Pierre Brousset determines it is a hip-drop tackle, so Angus Bell is sin-binned. Aussies down to 14.
Feyi-Waboso is back up on his feet at least
England 12-3 Australia, 33 mins
15:48 , Luke BakerUh oh. Not good for England as Manny Feyi-Waboso is down injured. Australia prop Angus Bell tackled him and the England winger has stayed down.
This could be a hip-drop tackle that World Rugby have just outlawed this month. We’ve got a TMO review anyway...
England 12-3 Australia, 32 mins
15:46 , Luke BakerVan Poortvliet nearly squirms through a gap as England again set up camp in the Australian 22. The Wallabies forced to hurriedly clear their lines once they get the ball back and can’t get it very far
England 12-3 Australia, 30 mins
15:44 , Luke BakerItoje with a big carry and then Atkinson crunches into a defender to make more yards down the right. Ah, but Furbank is pinged for a neck roll at the breakdown.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso sparks England into life
15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamHis try may have been chalked off but England have done a brilliant job of getting Immanuel Feyi-Waboso into the game here. The wing is such an explosive proposition when he roams off that left wing, and he has clearly been given licence to explore and exploit the spaces that appear – as he did to set up that position from which Ollie Chessum went over. Australia haven’t really got going, but it felt like England needed that second score given the control they’ve exerted on the contest.
England 12-3 Australia, 29 mins
15:43 , Luke BakerThis has been really nice from England so far. Completely dominated territory and have converted for a couple of tries. Manny Feyi-Waboso looks a problem for the Wallabies every time he touches the ball.
TRY! England 12-3 Australia (Ollie Chessum, 27 mins)
15:42 , Luke BakerBeautifully finished off by England from that Feyi-Waboso burst! Again, they’re quick with the ball, go left, George Furbank playing fly-half and he lofts a long miss pass to Ollie Chessum. The lock-slash-flanker sticks his head down, rumbles for the line, barrels through a defender and gets over. good finish!
Fin Smith adds the extras for good measure
England 5-3 Australia, 26 mins
15:40 , Luke BakerQuick ball from England so far today and again they find a gap, shift the ball to Feyi-Waboso who has drifted to the right-hand side in search of work, he beats his first man and ghosts into the 22.
England 5-3 Australia, 25 mins
15:38 , Luke BakerEngland go wide left from the scrum, through the hands and Feyi-Waboso crashes into the 22. He’s had a pleasing amount of carries so far. Exactly what they need to do.
But then a mistake. The ball is fumbled forward from a little grubber kick. Let-off for the visitors.
England 5-3 Australia, 23 mins
15:37 , Luke BakerLatest scrum sees the Wallabies awarded the penalty. The scrum has been a fascinating battle so far and I’d actually give the slight edge to Australia.
The lineout is a different matter though... Billy Pollard’s throw is deemed not straight as Maro Itoje tokenly leaps to give the facade of a contest. It works and the English scrum is solid.
England 5-3 Australia, 21 mins
15:34 , Luke BakerWallabies can’t get out of their own half at the moment. The white English wall is staying strong but the visitors are having success in the air.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii chases and claims a box-kick in England territory but Ben Curry gets over the bar and wins the turnover! Was he off his feet? Hmmmm, maybe. But gets away with it and England come away with the ball
England 5-3 Australia, 19 mins
15:32 , Luke BakerThe Australia scrum is competitive, although this time Angus Bell is pinged for spinning it illegally and England with an attacking opportunity.
Messed up as they try to get Feyi-Waboso involved but they transition well to defence as the Wallabies try to go from deep. The clearance kick comes off England hands, so the Wallabies can then build again from the lineout outside the 22.
WATCH: Jamie George's moment of history
15:30 , Luke BakerHere’s that Jamie George try. Now England’s most prolific forward.
History-maker. 👑
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) November 8, 2026
Jamie George gets over to become England's top try-scoring forward 💪 pic.twitter.com/UEcwmeMgxU
England 5-3 Australia, 16 mins
15:29 , Luke BakerAustralia scrummage well and England reduced to a lineout just inside the Aussie half which they nearly make a mess of but just retain possession from. Loose ball from the subsequent up-and-under but Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii dives on the loose rock.
Visitors clear their lines, Max Jorgensen knocks on trying to win the bouncing ball, so it’s a scrum on halfway
England 5-3 Australia, 14 mins
15:27 , Luke BakerJoe Heyes with a big old hit. Ooof! Then, great work Maro Itoje! He charges down Lonergan’s box-kick in the Aussie 22. Captain’s work and a celebration.
England’s scrum in the 22...
PENALTY! England 5-3 Australia (Ryan Lonergan, 12 mins)
15:26 , Luke BakerSlightly left of the posts, about 42 metres out. Ryan Lonergan is an excellent (90%+) goal-kicker and he slots that one with the minimum of fuss.
Call me old-fashioned but I love seeing penalties actually kicked at goal occasionally, rather than always tot he corner. Wallabies get the scoreboard ticking.
England 5-0 Australia, 11 mins
15:24 , Luke BakerAussie scrum half Ryan Lonergan down and receiving some treatment, it looks like to his neck. But he’s back up and will have a pop at goal after the Wallabies win a penalty.
A fitting first scorer
15:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamJamie George spoke with real fury and frustration as he addressed the claims of disharmony in the England camp on Friday; one could term him a fitting opening scorer, particularly after a collective effort like that. It all came from a sliced box kick from Jack van Poortvliet, which Immanuel Feyi-Waboso showed good hustle to try and get underneath and draw a penalty. A strong start from the hosts.
England 5-0 Australia, 10 mins
15:23 , Luke BakerThat try makes Jamie George England’s record try-scoring forward by the way. And couldn’t belong to a nicer bloke. Good on him.
Australia meanwhile need to get their hands on the ball here. They’ve have nothing to work with so far
TRY! England 5-0 Australia (Jamie George, 8 mins)
15:22 , Luke BakerGreat maul defence initially by the Wallabies to stop the England push and head them towards the sideline. But the home forwards splinter off back inside, Jamie George directing traffic from the back and they get over the line.
A really, really good start from England, now rewarded. Fin Smith’s touchline conversion hits the post but they won’t mind too much
England 0-0 Australia, 7 mins
15:20 , Luke BakerJack van Poortvliet sticks up a box kick and the Wallabies don’t allow the chasers a clear path to the ball. Penalty, which is kicked to the corner. Five metres out - golden chance for the hosts
England 0-0 Australia, 6 mins
15:19 , Luke BakerManny Feyi-Waboso is probably England’s true X-factor player and he’s been involved early on here, which is exactly what Steve Borthwick would have wanted. Fin Smith flips a pass to the Exeter speedster out wide and he makes decent ground.
But that’s good defence from Australia shortly after as they win the penalty at the breakdown. Alex Coles pinged.
England 0-0 Australia, 4 min
15:17 , Luke BakerSolid opening scrum from the Wallabies but great defence by England. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii with a powerful carry through Henry Slade but he’s held up in the tackle, it’s called a maul, Seb Atkinson under the ball and England earn the turnover!
Ben Earl with a typically intense celebration.
England try chalked off
15:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamHighly unfortunate, that, for England after some lively attacking shape carved Australia open rather easily. That Ben Curry toss to Ollie Chessum over near the left touchline did appear suspicious live, though – but early ambition to play seems to have pleased the Twickenham crowd. Chessum just overran Curry.
NO TRY! England 0-0 Australia (Manny Feyi-Waboso, 2 mins)
15:13 , Luke BakerTHE PERFECT START! Boy did England need this!
Less than 90 seconds on the clock and Manny Feyi-Waboso surges through a gap and races over the line. Ben Earl with a powerful carry over the gainline in the build-up. BUT WAIT!
Just as Fin Smith is lining up the simple conversion, we get a TMO intervention. Potential forward pass in the build-up. Yep - Ben Curry’s short pass on the left is just forward to Ollie Chessum, who overruns it slightly.
Chalked off
England 0-0 Australia, 1 min
15:13 , Luke BakerJoseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau with early touches - the Wallabies will need both of those strike-runners to bash holes today.
Also an early kick for the latest Wallabies fly-half Declan Meredith. Can he solve Australia’s eternal issue at 10?
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Australia
15:11 , Luke BakerFin Smith boots the ball into the misty sky and we’re underway.
Kick-off imminent
15:11 , Luke BakerRight, we’re about ready to go in southwest London. Will England kickstart their autumn in style or make a mess of this against their old rivals and heap the pressure on further?
Needless to say, Steve Borthwick will desperately hope for the former...
Remembrance Sunday well observed
15:08 , Luke BakerAn impeccably observed rendition of The Last Post for Remembrance Sunday and after a small amount of confusion leading to some brief cheers from a few spectators afterwards, the minute’s silence that follows is also well respected.
Applause once that’s over and it’s on to the anthems.
England v Australia teams
15:05 , Luke BakerA reminder of the teams today.
Fin Baxter, Ben Curry and George Furbank return for England after long injury lay-offs, while Greg Fisilau is a potential debutant from the bench.
England XV: 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Alex Coles; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 George Furbank.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 George Martin, 20 Greg Fisilau, 21 Henry Pollock; 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.
Meanwhile, Declan Meredith is preferred to Ben Donaldson at fly half for the Wallabies, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is again on the wing rather than in the centres.
Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Josh Canham, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; 6 Jeremy Williams, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Ryan Lonergan, 10 Declan Meredith; 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Isaac Henry, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Valetini, 20 Carlo Tizzano; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
England vs Australia
15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamAustralia were a little troubled by a thick fog that engulfed their training base in Teddington yesterday, but the morning mist has cleared today to leave a dry enough autumn afternoon. One would not term it warm, but it’s far from unpleasant.
What ambition will England show? They’ve picked a pack with the capacity to squeeze in tight exchanges but the noises coming out of camp have suggested a desire to continue to show the variety they managed in the first half against Argentina in their last outing back in July.
Les Kiss: 'Today's going to be a massive challenge'
15:00 , Luke BakerAustralia boss Les Kiss believes his side have a good base to build from after some positive results over the summer but he’s not underestimating the challenge today
"There's been a strong base to build off...but today's going to be a massive challenge." 👊
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) November 8, 2026
Wallabies' head coach Les Kiss speaks to Topsy Ojo ahead of their match against England. 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/ugHauOUU11
England vs Australia match officials
14:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Pierre Brousset (Fra)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Jeremy Rozier (Fra)
TMO: Tual Trainini (Fra)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Lineout battle in focus
14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe lineout battle is always important, but the fact that both sides have loaded up with long-limbed jumpers on the blindside is evidence of just how crucial a battleground they feel it may be today. With the prominence of the maul since the change of law emphasis in the summer, the set-piece has become such a weapon, and both England and Australia will surely look to get defensive jumpers in the air to disrupt possession when they can.
Josh Canham has come of age this year, while Jeremy Williams is quietly impressive every time he pulls on a Wallabies shirt. Maro Itoje will call England’s lineout, though both Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum are comfortable in that role. Options, options.
Could the two benches be key?
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland talked in the week of how pleased they were to have their bench front row back together, the returns of Fin Baxter and Will Stuart from long-term lay-offs enabling Steve Borthwick to unite his preferred prop partnerships. The impact provided by the replacement forwards was a theme of last November – but with Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini and Carlo Tizzano, Australia have plenty of punch in reserve themselves.
Teams readying for battle
14:35 , Luke BakerWarm-ups and preparations ongoing at Allianz Stadium as kick-off steadily approaches
Greg Fisilau gets his debut
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’ll be a proud day for the Fisilau family today as Exeter back row Greg makes his international bow. Father Kenni won six caps for Tonga during his playing career, and his son is a player that England have long liked – his carrying output and work-rate are particular areas of strength...though not, perhaps, picking up his phone.
“This is a guy who didn’t pick up his phone when I tried to select him for the England camp,” Steve Borthwick revealed this week. “I rang [Exeter coach] Rob Baxter and he said, ‘that’s Greg’. He almost missed his chance.
“His dad has told him that until he plays for England, his dad is the best rugby player in the family. Hopefully by Sunday night Greg Fisilau will be the best rugby player in the Fisilau family.”
Fisilau gets his opportunity with England down on Tom Curry, Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill, all of who may have figured in this 23. A different sort of player, we’ll see how much run he gets in the second half.
Team news – Australia
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia also opt for a lock on the flank, with Jeremy Williams improving their lineout options and graft around the park. Declan Meredith is preferred to Ben Donaldson at fly half, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is again deployed on the wing.
Rob Valetini strengthens a bench with plenty of strike-running threat.
Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Josh Canham, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; 6 Jeremy Williams, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Ryan Lonergan, 10 Declan Meredith; 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Isaac Henry, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Valetini, 20 Carlo Tizzano; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Team news – England
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland welcome back all of Fin Baxter, Ben Curry and George Furbank following long lay-offs with injury, while Maro Itoje returns to captain the side having been rested in July. The less experienced of the Curry twins is included with brother Tom ruled out, while Ollie Chessum continues in the back row.
There are six forwards on the bench, including a potential debutant in Greg Fisilau. Marcus Smith provides fly-half cover after Fin Smith won his race to be fit to start.
England XV: 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Alex Coles; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 George Furbank.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 George Martin, 20 Greg Fisilau, 21 Henry Pollock; 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.
Rugby World Cup power rankings: Who tops our list of contenders a year before tournament?
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleYes, that World Cup feels ever and ever closer. At the start of last month, we had a go at ranking the contenders for glory Down Under next year:
Rugby World Cup power rankings: Who tops our list of contenders?
A happy Australia camp?
13:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe should probably mention that it is not just England who have faced a few tough questions this week. Australia’s players are currently locked in a pay dispute with their union, though have sought to avoid direct chatter about the saga this week as they build up to a big game.
It comes at an intriguing time for the Wallabies with a year until their home World Cup. Angus Crichton was an interesting, and interested, observer at training in Teddington this week, with the code-hopping NRL start set to bolster the centre options next year. Mark Nawaqanitawase, meanwhile, has suggested his focus is on finding form in Japan before deciding on his international future – though it would be a real surprise if we do not see the wing in green and gold next year having returned from rugby league.
The playmaking spots remain key questions for Les Kiss to solve, but it’s a pretty solid Wallabies squad otherwise.
Key refereeing changes explained as rugby’s Nations Championship returns
13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleSteve Borthwick and Les Kiss, along with the rest of the head coaches in this competition, were in Windsor with the officiating teams last Sunday for a summit ahead of the resumption of the Nations Championship. On Monday, we were there, too, finding out all of the latest on areas of law that are in particular focus this November:
Key refereeing changes explained as rugby’s Nations Championship returns
The breakdown battle that could decide England vs Australia
13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAll of the noise around England has rather distracted from what could be a compelling tactical battle. The two back-row selections feel highly instructive about a breakdown contest that will be crucial.
The breakdown battle that could decide England vs Australia
Harry Wilson and Australia ready to test England's unity
13:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleHarry Wilson insists Australia are ready to put England’s unity to the test at Allianz Stadium amid claims of unrest within the camp.
A report states that players sought showdown talks with head coach Steve Borthwick during the July tour because of a toxic environment and wanted Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney to hear their grievances.
Senior England players reacted furiously to the accusations, with Jamie George declaring they would prove their loyalty to Borthwick by delivering on the field against the Wallabies.
Wilson, who leads Australia into the Nations Championship showdown, believes any cracks will be exposed when the rivals clash.
“It could go one or two ways for them and I guess it’s on us to put them under pressure to see how close they are as a team,” Wilson said.
“We know how close we are, how much we care for each other and how much we love playing for our coaching staff.
“All I’m really worried about us. I just want us to keep caring for this jersey, keep caring for every person in our group.”
Steve Borthwick faces vital autumn – but is English rugby doomed to fail?
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis week has only heightened the pressure of this game for England. Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney was reflecting this week on how tricky they have found it to sustain success – and wondering if English rugby’s structures are setting it up to fail.
Steve Borthwick faces vital autumn – but is English rugby doomed to fail?
Jamie George issues furious response to claim England have lost faith in Steve Borthwick
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe England hooker Jamie George has hit back at claims of a divided dressing room and toxic camp in a staunch defence of Steve Borthwick’s management ahead of their clash against Australia.
A report in The Times on Friday claimed that members of the England squad had lost faith in Borthwick during the first phase of the Nations Championship in July, and disagreed with the direction set by the head coach.
That followed the side’s worst-ever Six Nations campaign and first defeat to Italy earlier in the year, though George – who captained in the stead of the rested Maro Itoje in the summer – insisted that much of the reporting was wide of the mark.
George issues furious response to claim Borthwick has lost England dressing room
England vs Australia LIVE
Saturday 7 November 2026 17:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleWell, this should be a quiet one. England embark on another crucial campaign in the grips of yet more questions over their direction, with Steve Borthwick’s squad forced to issue a staunch defence of their head coach after a report this week claimed that they had lost faith in him during the summer. It heightens the pressure for a fascinating clash with a battle-hardened Australia, with the Wallabies out to pose a few more tough questions to their hosts.
Kick off in Twickenham is at 3.10pm GMT.
