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The Wallabies have welcomed back a host of star players for their huge clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday. In the corresponding test last year, the Wallabies announced their revival with a stunning win over their old rivals. This match will show just how far they have come, with Australia looking to prove they’ve taken their game to a new level.
The Wallabies have named perhaps their strongest possible line-up, considering several top-line players including James O’Connor, Will Skelton, Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper are unavailable for this test, which falls outside the international window.
The Wallabies have already endured a huge fixture list in 2025, with a Lions Tour and Rugby Championship played back-to-back. To ask the players to also front up for additional tests against Japan and England, which will no doubt bolster Rugby Australia’s coffers, remains a massive ask.
However, with the England squad only assembling after the PREM paused for the month, it raises an interesting question: will the Wallabies’ recent game time make them battle-hardened for Twickenham, or will fatigue catch up with them?
The Japan test was a calculated risk by Joe Schmidt and his coaching team, and it appears to have paid off. Several players who featured in Tokyo have played themselves into Wallabies jerseys for this weekend’s blockbuster.
Hunter Paisami finds himself in the unenviable position of replacing Ikitau at inside centre alongside Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i. The Wallabies will be hoping their partnership can unlock Sua’ali’i’s attacking potential and help him replicate his Twickenham heroics from last year.
In the front row, Taniela Tupou and Billy Pollard join Angus Bell to form a dynamic, powerful scrummaging unit. They’ll be supported by the reunited duo of Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams in the second row.
Talismatic number eight Harry Wilson returns to the starting line-up to captain the side, forming a potent back-row combination with Rob Valetini shifting to blindside flanker and Fraser McReight at openside. Nick Champion de Crespigny is another who impressed Schmidt enough in Japan to retain a spot on the teamsheet from the bench.
Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed continue their partnership from the Japan test to maintain continuity in the halves as Schmidt seeks to settle on a consistent playmaking combination. Flyhalf remains a lingering headache for the Wallabies coach, who has trialled Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh and James O’Connor without locking in a long-term option. The return of Carter Gordon further muddies the picture two years out from a home Rugby World Cup.
With an aerial battle expected, Schmidt has turned to Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen and Andrew Kellaway, a back three known for their composure and strength under the high ball.
This match will serve as a crucial measuring stick for the Wallabies. A chance to prove they can back up their 2024 Twickenham triumph and take the next step in their evolution under Joe Schmidt.
Australia Starting XV (1-15): Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Jake Gordon, Tane Edmed, Harry Potter, Hunter Paisami, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway
Australia Replacements (16-23): Josh Nasser, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nicholas Champion de Crespigny, Ryan Lonergan, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu