Today, England will aim to bounce back from their heartbreaking defeat against New Zealand as they prepare to host their fierce rivals, Australia, in an eagerly anticipated match.
The English side enters this contest as the favorites, looking to reclaim their winning momentum against an Australian team that is struggling to find its form. Currently sitting at ninth in the world rankings, the Wallabies have managed to secure only one victory from their last six fixtures under head coach Joe Schmidt, pointing to significant challenges ahead.
England vs Australia date, kick-off time and venue
The highly anticipated Autumn Nations Series Test between England and Australia is set to take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the newly-renamed Allianz Stadium Twickenham, a venue renowned for hosting significant rugby events.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3.10pm GMT in the south-west London arena that is steeped in rugby history.
Allianz Stadium Twickenham
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How to watch England vs Australia
TV channel: TNT Sports announced a lucrative deal had been secured back in April to broadcast this year’s Autumn Nations Series matches live across the UK.
Saturday’s thrilling contest will be available for viewing on TNT Sports 1, with pre-match coverage beginning at 2pm GMT to build excitement ahead of kickoff.
Live stream: Fans can catch the action live online if they are subscribers to TNT Sports, through the Discovery+ app and website, enabling them to enjoy the match from the comfort of their homes.
England vs Australia team news
Head coach Steve Borthwick has announced an unchanged starting fifteen from the narrow defeat to New Zealand, yet he has implemented a strategic positional switch in midfield accompanied by two adjustments among the replacements.
Henry Slade has been appointed to play at inside centre, prompting Ollie Lawrence to shift to the number 13 position, possibly in anticipation of the formidable Samu Kerevi’s return for the Australian side. Additionally, Ben Spencer steps into the scrumhalf role for only the second time, showcasing Borthwick’s tactical adjustments.
Moreover, Borthwick’s choice to revert to a 5-3 split favoring forwards over backs in the replacements indicates a focus on strengthening the pack. Luke Cowan-Dickie earns his place on the bench in a return to the matchday squad, providing critical hooker cover for team captain Jamie George, signaling a significant boost to their scrum depth for this fierce encounter.
Northampton winger Ollie Sleightholme is also included on the bench, which means there is no room for flanker Ben Curry in this tightly contested lineup.
Luke Cowan-Dickie is back in the fold
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On the Australian side, excitement surrounds the debut of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre, as the team integrates the talented rugby league convert directly into their lineup.
The 21-year-old player, who has yet to experience a game of rugby union, has been pursued by Rugby Australia for an extended period, marking a significant moment in his career as he partners with Len Ikitau in the midfield for a much-needed change following their recent defeat to New Zealand.
England vs Australia lineups
England XV: Furbank, Feyi-Waboso, Lawrence, Slade, Freeman, Smith, Spencer; Earl, Curry, Cunningham-South, Martin, Itoje, Stuart, George (c), Genge
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Baxter, Cole, Isiekwe, Dombrandt, Randall, Ford, Sleightholme
Australia XV: Wright, Kellaway, Sua’ali’i, Ikitau, Pietsch, Lolesio, Gordon; Wilson, McReight, Valetini, Williams, Frost, Tupou, Faessler, Bell
Replacements: Paenga-Amosa, Slipper, Alaalatoa, Salakaia-Loto, Gleeson, McDermott, Donaldson, Jorgensen
England vs Australia head to head (h2h) history and results
England vs Australia prediction
In their last outing, England demonstrated considerable potential despite their close loss to New Zealand, and now face an Australian team perceived as a weaker opponent.
The Wallabies are clearly navigating a transitional period under coach Schmidt as they approach Twickenham, determined to break their streak of three consecutive defeats.
England is predicted to win, likely by 20-plus points.
England vs Australia match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
**Interview with Rugby Analyst Alex Johnson on the Upcoming England vs. Australia Match**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us, Alex! We’re gearing up for what promises to be an exciting match between England and Australia. What are your thoughts on England’s chances after their recent defeat to New Zealand?
**Alex Johnson:** Thanks for having me! England definitely has the upper hand going into this match. They’ve shown impressive form against Australia recently, winning 10 out of their last 11 encounters. While the loss to New Zealand was painful, the team’s unchanged starting lineup and strategic adjustments show that they’re focusing on bouncing back.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of adjustments, can you explain the tactical changes head coach Steve Borthwick has implemented for this game?
**Alex Johnson:** Absolutely. Borthwick’s decision to shift Henry Slade to inside centre and move Ollie Lawrence to outside centre is quite strategic. This could be in preparation to counteract Samu Kerevi, who poses a significant threat. Adding Ben Spencer at scrumhalf also adds depth and variation to their game. The shift to a 5-3 split in replacements indicates they’re looking to strengthen the forwards, which is crucial against a physical Australian side.
**Interviewer:** Australia has struggled recently, sitting ninth in the world rankings and only winning one out of their last six games. What are the key challenges they face in this match?
**Alex Johnson:** The Wallabies are certainly in a tough spot. Their lack of consistency under Joe Schmidt is concerning, particularly with their forwards looking to regain dominance. They need to find their rhythm and capitalise on any opportunities England might give them. If they can bring their A-game and exploit any weaknesses in the England lineup, they could turn the tide.
**Interviewer:** With the match taking place at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, how important is home advantage for England in this encounter?
**Alex Johnson:** Home advantage is massive! Twickenham is steeped in rugby history, and the English fans will certainly create an electrifying atmosphere. The pressure will be on the Wallabies, and playing in front of a home crowd can be a real morale booster for the English side. If they can harness that energy and momentum, it could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the match.
**Interviewer:** How can fans tune in to watch this thrilling contest unfold?
**Alex Johnson:** Fans can catch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with pre-match coverage starting at 2pm GMT. There’s also the option to stream it live via the Discovery+ app and website, which is perfect for those wanting to enjoy it from home.
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Alex! Thanks for sharing your thoughts ahead of this exciting clash.
**Alex Johnson:** My pleasure! Looking forward to a thrilling match. Let’s see if England can maintain their dominance or if Australia can upset the odds!
