England v Australia: Nations Championship – rugby union live

Andy Bull makes a case that they need more than ‘moments’ to really start mixing it with the big boys:

Off the field, a pay dispute has cast a shadow over the European tour:

So says Ugo Monye, who argues that this turbulent build up could bring out the best of England.

Two years ago, in his first senior rugby union match, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii dazzled at centre as the Wallabies pulled off a dramatic heist.

Since then, he’s not really made that 13 jumper his own but he’s too good to sit on the bench. That means he starts on the wing and will no doubt join the line as well as offer threats in the air.

It’s a big game for Declan Meredeth at fly-half. He’s one of seven starting 10s for the Wallabies since the 2023 World Cup in a position that appears more cursed than the Defence Against the Dark Arts post at Hogwarts.

This is his fifth start at first receiver in this period (tied now with Ben Donaldson and Tane Edmed, but still catching Noah Lolesio’s tally of 12). If he can get enough front-foot ball, a sparkling backline will surely cause havoc.

Fraser Mcreight, holder of the John Eales medal for best Wallaby of the year, wins his 50th Test cap. There is surely no better fetcher in the game.

Rob Valetini surprisngly starts on the bench. But that just means an already hefty looking list of replacements, which includes prop Taniele Tupou and flyer Filipo Daugunu, carries even more threat.

Australia: Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Jeremy Williams, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (capt).

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.

Maro Itoje returns after an international sabbatical and the birth of his son to skipper his nation once again.

Not only does he bring leadership but also class to a second row that includes the tall timber of Alex Coles.

George Furbank starts at 15 with Fin Smith at 10; Borthwick has been desperate for that axis for some time and finally has both playmakers fit.

The experienced Henry Slade wins the battle for the 13 jersey while Tom Curry’s injury means his twin, Ben, gets the nod at openside. A formidable bench – with Henry Pollock alongside the debutant Greg Fisilau – promises to bring some power in the closing stages.

Perhaps the most significant development is the return of Fin Baxter who starts at loosehead. His presence means Steve Borthwick has four elite props in the group.

England: George Furbank; Tommy Freeman, Henry Slade, Seb Atkinson, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; Fin Smith, Jack van Poortvliet; Fin Baxter, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (capt), Alex Coles, Ollie Chessum, Ben Curry, Ben Earl.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Martin, Greg Fisilau, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Marcus Smith.

That’s not a yarn peddled by the Guardian. No, that’s the message coming out of the England camp after a piece published on Thursday triggered a circling of the wagons.

The gist is that Steve Borthwick lacks the charisma and nous needed to turn things around after a worst ever Six Nations campaign and an exodus of assistant coaches. That less than a year out from a World Cup, this is a team that is merely making up the numbers.

Not so was the resounding retort from some senior players including the returning skipper Maro Itoje and the former skipper Jamie George. They say that things are right as rain and they’ll prove how much they rate their coach with a performance against the Aussies.

But which Australian side will they face? The swashbuckling world beaters who stuffed the Springboks, or the no-hopers who got spanked by the All Blacks? Look up the word mercurial in the dictionary and you’ll see an accompanying picture of Les Kiss’ Wallabies.

This all adds up to a cracking occasion. A packed Twickenham. Two teams with something to prove. Two coaches desperate for a win. I can’t wait!

I’m lucky enough to be in the stadium this afternoon. If you spot something on your TV or radio and you’d like to flag it, then please do drop me a line.

I’ll quickly make my way to my seat where I’ll bring you team news and other bits. Between then and now, get your drinks and snacks ready and get comfy. I’ve got a feeling this will be quite special.