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Last year in the Autumn Nations Series, the Wallabies stunned the Twickenham faithful with a shock win over England. This time, head coach Steve Borthwick has assembled a side packed with strike weapons across the park. He has the luxury of depth, with several high-profile names including Owen Farrell not selected. England will be wary of the Wallabies and are expected to deploy a tactical kicking game plan in hopes of unleashing their potent attack. Here are three players who must fire if England are to start their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a win.
Ford’s selection ahead of Marcus Smith and Fin Smith reveals England’s tactical intent. It will be an all-out aerial assault. The veteran playmaker led the Red Roses like a general in their series against Argentina, proving once again that he is England's tactical commander.
His kicking ability is his greatest weapon, and he will pepper Australia’s back three all afternoon. His contestable kicks and precision in finding space behind the defensive line give England a crucial territorial edge. Combined with the towering presence of Freddie Steward, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Roebuck in the backfield, the Wallabies will be under siege from the high ball.
While much of the attention will be on Tommy Freeman’s move to the centres to combat Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, inside centre Fraser Dingwall is the glue that holds England’s backline together.
Dingwall positions himself superbly, communicates constantly, and makes timely reads in defence. The Wallabies will need to be wary as he has an uncanny ability to shut down attacking plays before they develop. An unselfish player, Dingwall is a crucial connector who creates the platform for England’s outside backs to strike.
He’s also deceptively strong and sharp in contact, with excellent support play that often puts him in position for offloads or secondary touches. His opposite number, Hunter Paisami, will need to watch his defensive line speed. The Wallabies centre is known for rushing up for big hits, which can leave gaps that Dingwall will look to exploit.
England’s captain was monumental the last time he faced the Wallabies, scoring a try and pulling his side back into the contest. In 2024, Itoje led all tier-one players in turnovers won and ranked among the best in ruck involvements.
His physicality is matched by intelligence. He combines brute force with an acute game sense, using his frame effectively in carries and cleanouts. In the line-out, he will a a constant threat to the Wallabies, both as England’s main jumper and as a disruptor against the throw. Itoje will again be pivotal in setting England’s tone up front and dictating the physical battle.
England Starting XV (1-15): Fin Baxter, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, George Ford, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck, Freddie Steward
England Replacements (16-23): Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith