Can England right the wrongs from last weekend?
For Steve Borthwick’s England team, this is a must-win match after a disappointing loss to New Zealand where everything seemed to point towards another famous win in London. After a promising start against New Zealand, where England led until the final 10 minutes, England will aim to deliver a more complete performance this weekend.
Can England justify heavy favorites tag?
England have won 10 of their last 11 Test matches against Australia, with their only loss during this stretch being a narrow 30-28 defeat in 2022. Australia come into the match on a three-game losing streak. England are currently 1/6 to win the match with the handicap line at -15 at Rhino. With the same starting team as last week, and the return of Luke Cowan-Dickie to the bench, England look strong. The only change sees Ollie Lawrence switch from the number 12 jersey to 13. This should give him more freedom to attack.
England look set for a good performance, and if they can maintain fluidity and build consistent attacking pressure, players like Marcus Smith and Feyi-Waboso will be ready to capitalise on opportunities.
Is Australia a potential banana skin for England?
Australia will see England as a prime target to make a statement under the direction of new head coach Joe Schmidt. Schmidt, the former Ireland coach took over the Wallabies in January of 2024 but has faced a challenging start. The Wallabies have picked up just four wins out of his nine matches in charge so far, although close results vs New Zealand in the Rugby Championship does give them reason for optimism.
Australia’s squad includes rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and former Leicester wing Harry Potter. The squad also features uncapped Tane Edmed, a 21-year-old New South Wales Waratahs fly-half. Will Skelton, who previously captained the side, returns from injury, alongside Samu Kerevi, who is back from his stint in Japan.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is the shining light for the Wallabies having moved across from Rugby League. This will be his first rugby union game since his school days. There is big hope for Suaalii, and a big price tag with Rugby Australia having spent £2.7 million to take him from the Sydney Roosters. We know he will start at outside centre, and we assume he is going to see plenty of the ball… Will he live up to the hype?
Prediction:
England looked strong for 70 minutes against a star-studded New Zealand team. Only a missed drop goal from George Ford prevented them getting the win their performance merited. As much as Australia will fancy this, they are still a team rebuilding with an eye towards next year and the home series against the British and Irish Lions. With that in mind, I suspect England will win well. Australia have conceded 30+ points in five of their last six games, and with the handicap line looking high at 15, and the weather looking dry, backing England to win and over 48.5 points at the boosted Rhino price of 21/20 is the bet.
Tip:
Winner and Total Points Double:
England and Over 48.5 @ 21/20