England: Everything you need to know about the Wallabies' opening Grand Slam tour opposition

Fri, Nov 8, 2024, 5:34 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies and England faced off in the decider at the SCG.

The Wallabies will begin their quest for a first Grand Slam sweep in 40 years as they face the old enemy England in London.

The rivalary between the two nations always produces an epic as they face off for the first time since the 2022 series.

Watch every game of the Wallabies Spring Tour live and exclusive on Stan Sport.

The Ella-Mobbs Cup will be on the line as the Australians aim to hoist the trophy for the first time since 2012.

Here's everything you need to know about the Wallabies opponent on Saturday.

Recent form

England are coming off a three-game losing streak to New Zealand across both hemispheres which doesn't justly reflect the strong form they are in.

They went down in the final minutes over the weekend in London, with George Ford missing a drop goal to win the game.

Before this, they pushed the All Blacks all the way in NZ, however, went down in tight encounters during their July series.

The English started their season with a third-place finish in the Six Nations, headlined by a win over world number one Ireland.

Squad

In a similar vein to Australia, England picked exclusively from the Premiership for their end-of-year tour.

This means stalwarts such as Owen Farrell and backrower Jack Willis are ineligible for selection.

Prop Joe Marler was originally in the squad, however, announced his retirement from the international game.

He was replaced by young prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour.

Forwards

Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints) Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Martin (Leicester Tigers), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)

Backs

Elliot Daly (Saracens), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)

The X-Factor

Marcus Smith is one of the most exciting players in World Rugby.

The Harlequins flyhalf can turn a game in an instant with his silky footwork and expert playmaking.

There has been a clear difference when Smith has been on and off the field with how dangerous the English have attacked.

Smith is the main player the Wallabies must keep quiet if they are to be successful.

The rising star

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is quickly rising the ranks as one of the most damaging wingers in the world.

Feyi-Waboso was snatched up by the English after the Welsh-born winger starred for Exeter.

He has scored 13 tries in his last 12 games across the Premiership and Test football, including tries in his last four games.

The coach

Former English lock Steve Borthwick has left his mark on the side since taking over from Eddie Jones.

Borthwick guided his old side to third place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup after taking the job in 2022.

Previously, the 57-cap lock helped Leicester to the English Premiership title in 2021-22.

England's record against Australia

England's record against the Wallabies is tough viewing for Australians, especially at Allianz Stadium/Twickenham.

They have won 10 out of their last 11 games against the Aussies, including a 2-1 series win in 2022.

The Perth victory in the opening game of the series is the Wallabies' only win over England since 2015, where Australia knocked the hosts out of the World Cup.

In the overall ledger, England holds a slight 28-26-1 record over Australia

Where the game will be won

Whilst the record is clear to see, there is a way through for the Wallabies to take down England.

The English's Achilles Heel has been their second half after a string of collapses.

In their last seven games, they have led six times at half-time.

They've won once.

Australia needs to target a similar performance that they produced in Sydney against the All Blacks, albeit a better start to the game.

If the Wallabies are in the game heading into the break, they'll feel the game is there for the taking.

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