twickenham

England gear up for last rugby union test against Australia this weekend

  • England make 9 changes to the side that faced Japan.
  • England have home advantage, with kick off at 3pm.
  • Winning the last 5 games in a row against Australia, pressure will be on England to earn a sixth.

With the World Cup in Japan becoming ever closer, every game is important for Eddie Jones’ men. After drawing at half time with Japan last week, England eventually pulled out the win. They will want to keep that streak going this weekend.

It seems Eddie Jones is fielding a more secure team this week with Owen Farrell back at 10, his kicking and game control will be pivotal against the blitzing Australian defence. Jamie George starts at hooker with co-captain Dylan Hartley moved to the bench, which also features the injury-prone Manu Tuilagi who has been passed fit to play. Tuilagi last played against the Aussies in 2016.  

England Rugby team
England have never won six ties in a row against Australia. Credit: DIALLO 25 on Wikimedia Commons

Will Genia will earn his 100th cap this match, making him the 10th Wallaby ever to do so. The team from down under have important players Israel Folau and Bernard Foley recovering from illness, with both in the starting 15. David Pocock’s late exclusion due to neck injury leaves Michael Hooper leading the team on Saturday.

England’s last game against Australia came in November last year, winning comfortably 30-6, again at Twickenham. They have never won six games in a row against the Wallabies.