England dispatched Australia in a huge autumn international win over their old rivals at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Ben Earl struck with a fine try underlining early England dominance, but Harry Potter produced a magical 14-point swing for the Wallabies to hit back before the break.
Potter denied Earl a double, then seized possession, as his vision enabled a fine interception before a lung-busting run across almost the entire length of the pitch to score and help the visitors close to within three points at the interval.
And England surged clear in the second half, leaning on their own ‘Bomb Squad’ through the replacements, with Henry Pollock’s magical score providing breathing room.
Alex Mitchell added a third try before Luke Cowan-Dickie capped a magnificent driving maul to clinch victory for Steve Borthwick’s side. Follow all the latest reaction from the Allianz Stadium in our live blog below:
England vs Australia live
- 21 mins: TRY! Earl storms clear after smart kicking [ENG 10-0 AUS]
- 34 mins: TRY! Potter saves one try, then surges length of pitch to score [ENG 10-7 AUS]
- 60 mins: TRY! Pollock gathers from a kick and powers to a sensational score [ENG 15-7 AUS]
- 72 mins: TRY! Mitchell's quick thinking catches Wallabies cold [ENG 20-7 AUS]
- 75 mins: TRY! Cowan-Dickie caps a fine driving maul to add gloss to scoreline [ENG 25-7 AUS]
- Ben Earl reacts to big England win over Australia
- REPORT: How England’s bench ‘Bomb Squad’ decided hard-fought Australia clash
Henry Pollock, Carter Gordon and 10 other international rugby players to watch in November
08:00 , Jack RathbornHenry Pollock, England
It is worth remembering that this is Henry Pollock’s first proper international campaign with England, the youngster called in late in the Six Nations to make his debut against Wales before touring with the British and Irish Lions in July. That will not necessarily calm the excitement around a player who looks to have something special, and finding out how best to utilise Pollock alongside his other back-row resources will have been a conundrum Steve Borthwick will have enjoyed entering November. Be it on the openside, at No 8 or even on the wing – if required – the 20-year-old should continue his speedy rise through the ranks.
Henry Pollock and 11 other international rugby players to watch in November
How England’s bench ‘Bomb Squad’ decided hard-fought Australia clash
06:00 , Jack RathbornEngland may not quite not yet look like the bonafide World Cup winners they have confidence they can be in two years time but this was nonetheless a positive first step on the long journey to Australia 2027. It took plenty of graft and grit to overcome the Wallabies but overcome they eventually were, with a ferocious defensive performance and second-half surge taking England to a solid start to their autumn, writes Harry Latham-Coyle from Twickenham.
In the process, a few ghosts of last November were perhaps banished. Australia’s victory here 12 months ago had been something of a heist, snatched at the last in an autumn of discontent in which England seemed to have forgotten how to win. This was a very different game yet there would have been some satisfaction in how, having shipped 42 points to their visitors a year ago, they kept the Wallabies to only a 95-metre intercept try here.
How England’s bench ‘Bomb Squad’ decided hard-fought Australia clash
George Ford on the challenges of England's first game
03:00 , Jack Rathborn"I am obviously delighted with the result in the end. It was a tricky game for a number of reasons. The first game brings challenges, the weather and going against a well-trained team,” George Ford says.
"When you are dominant and the scoreboard doesn't reflect that you feel like you have to go chasing for points but we just wanted to build pressure.
"We know that with our set-piece and the lads coming off the bench that they were going to add some impetus."
Matt Dawson tears into 'dreadful' Australia
01:00 , Jack Rathborn“Australia were dreadful,” Matt Dawson said on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra.
“The worst I have ever seen them.”
Australia fixtures and autumn internationals schedule
23:00 , Jack Rathborn8 November - 17:40: Italy v Australia
15 November - 20:10: Ireland v Australia
22 November - 20:10: France v Australia
Steve Borthwick reacts to England win over Australia
22:00 , Jack Rathborn“I thought the way the players responded was magnificent,” Steve Borthwick tells BBC Sport.
"I think Wiggy [Richard Wigglesworth] is doing an amazing job on defence and he is a top quality coach. We know next week it will be a different test and we will have to be even better than we were today.
"There is chance to improve this week, train really well and enhance our performance."
England fixtures and autumn internationals schedule
21:00 , Jack Rathborn8 November - 17:40: England v Fiji
15 November - 15:10: England v New Zealand
23 November - 16:10: England v Argentina
Danny Care lauds 'superstar' Henry Pollock after England win over Australia
20:00 , Jack Rathborn"He's unbelievable for the game,” Danny Care tells TNT Sports.
“He's got swagger, not many players would dye their hair like that, kids love him, too, he's just everything.
“We want to celebrate our superstars and he's absolutely one of them."
Henry Pollock reveals England will not celebrate Australia win and focus is on Fiji
19:11 , Jack Rathborn“We’re taking it game by game,” Pollock tells TNT Sports. “We are, we’re happy with our performance.
“Australia have been close for a long time, but it was about how we can show ourselves?
“Building to next week now. I don’t think [we’ll be celebrating tonight], bed by midnight, recovery, and then straight into next week.”
George Ford hails England's rise under Steve Borthwick
18:50 , Jack Rathborn“It feels like being part of a squad, you know you're part of a proper squad, the Lions, the lads who went to Argentina and did a job,” George Ford tells TNT Sports.
“Training levels have gone through the roof. The way we prepared, the way we're grounded, we want to improve and hopefully the results come.”
Henry Pollock on England and Australia row at end of autumn international
18:30 , Jack Rathborn“I love it, it’s every boy’s dream to play for your country,” Pollock tells TNT Sports. “I’ve got such good mates in the squad, it’s an amazing environment to be part of.
“I don’t know, I think some boys wanted to get in their faces, it was Curry and Sua'ali'i. It’s a bit of fun at the end, pushing and shoving, grab a shirt, you don’t even know what you’re saying, just get involved.
“Pushing and shoving, a few bad words, but slowing the clock down, unfortunately, we got a penalty against us.”
England celebrate victory over Australia at Twickenham
18:10 , Jack Rathborn
Henry Pollock reacts to England win over Australia
18:00 , Jack Rathborn"They're a great team, but we worked all week on that aerial contest,” Pollock tells TNT Sports.
“We worked all week on the backs getting it into the air. Get your hand on the ball and then get into position, I was lucky to get it, then I pushed over, Roebuck’s been on that all week, credit to him.
“It's sick [to be in this group and the strong replacements], Steve spoke all week about having a strong bench, but we have to make an impact, it's a cool environment to be part of, getting the boys hyped, come on and keep the level up and intensity high.”
How England’s bench ‘Bomb Squad’ decided hard-fought Australia clash
17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamEngland may not quite not yet look like the bonafide World Cup winners they have confidence they can be in two years time but this was nonetheless a positive first step on the long journey to Australia 2027. It took plenty of graft and grit to overcome the Wallabies but overcome they eventually were, with a ferocious defensive performance and second-half surge taking England to a solid start to their autumn, writes Harry Latham-Coyle from Twickenham.
In the process, a few ghosts of last November were perhaps banished. Australia’s victory here 12 months ago had been something of a heist, snatched at the last in an autumn of discontent in which England seemed to have forgotten how to win. This was a very different game yet there would have been some satisfaction in how, having shipped 42 points to their visitors a year ago, they kept the Wallabies to only a 95-metre intercept try here.
How England’s bench ‘Bomb Squad’ decided hard-fought Australia clash
George Ford lauds England's bench and kicking game
17:30 , Jack Rathborn“It's incredible to see them all come on,” George Ford tells TNT Sports about England bench.
“That was Steve's plan all week, the six British Lions on the bench, that's where the squad is at, Steve could pick anybody, the lads not in the 23, world class players, whatever 23 Steve picks, we think we can go and win.
“Boys are getting minutes and feel part of it. It's great. We spoke in the week about a couple of the parts of our game that don't click, then what can we do?
“Roebuck, Freddie... the kicking, it's such an attacking weapon, we're only kicking it to get it back.”
George Ford reacts to England's big win over Australia
17:20 , Jack Rathborn“Tricky, difficult, first game notoriously difficult,” George Ford tells TNT Sports.
“We've had a week's preparation. We felt dominant and left a few tries out there. It clouds your judgment on the game. You look at the scoreboard and it's only 10-7.
“The mental challenge of it all, you go in and you're only three points up, we felt dominant, but effectively the game starts again. We had to regroup and calm down, work out the two or three things that would win us the game.”
Danny Care lauds Henry Pollock's skill to inspire try for England
17:10 , Jack Rathborn“We spoke so much about the bench, they continued the momentum and their aerial game was such a big part,” Emily Scarratt tells TNT Sports.
“The kickers and chasers, big credit to them.”
Danny Care adds: “Australia couldn’t handle the kicks, Pollock’s pick-up is one of the best bits of skill you will see.
“It reminded me of old school England.”
Ben Earl reacts to big England win over Australia
17:05 , Jack Rathborn“Loved being back here, loved being back at home, it wasn’t always pretty, but we won, that’s what we judge ourselves on,” Earl tells TNT Sports after winning his fifth player of the match away in an England shirt.
“The experience we’ve learned over the last 18 months, a year ago we might not have won this game.
“I butchered the unbutcherable try, but we won’t talk about that.”
FT England 25-7 Australia: Cowan-Dickie
17:00 , Jack Rathborn81 mins
Pollock to the sin bin, a yellow card and a dampener as emotions spill over here.
Genge was picking a fight with Salakaia-Loto, too.
Itoje desperately urging focus to finish the job, and that they do, holding up a late Wallabies flourish. Eight matches, eight wins, there is serious momentum now, Fiji next, but that All Blacks clash is looking rather tasty.
England 25-7 Australia: Cowan-Dickie adds a fourth try
16:53 , Jack Rathborn75 mins
TRY! Luke Cowan-Dickie capitalises on a driving maul and England are romping to victory now after their fourth try.
Cowan-Dickie’s head is shaken by Pollock and the smiles widen a little. Australia have collapsed here.
Meanwhile, Ben Earl has been handed player of the match.
England 20-7 Australia: Mitchell's quick thinking inspires try
16:48 , Jack Rathborn72 mins
TRY! MITCHELL! Out of nowhere, the scrum is slowly inching England towards the score, but the ball is loose!
A penalty to Australia? But the ball is knocked down, quick thinking from Mitchell and he sniffs out the quickest route to score, narrowly kissing the ball over the line. Clever.
Ford misses the kick, again, it’s a 13-point lead.
England 15-7 Australia
16:44 , Jack Rathborn70 mins
Ford with a cheeky kick, playing with house money there, it comes back for the penalty. To the corner? Will England be bold?
Cowan-Dickie launches one in and then looked to clutch the ball tightly as momentum took England towards a game-clinching score.
But McReight with a fingertip, that’s vital and the Wallabies survive, scrum time...
England 15-7 Australia
16:43 , Jack Rathborn67 mins
Twickenham is buzzing here and England can smell blood, pouncing on the Wallabies to launch a counterattack.
The buzz from Pollock’s try has provided the required energy Borthwick wanted from his replacements.
England 15-7 Australia: Henry Pollock lights up Twickenham
16:37 , Jack Rathborn60 mins
Goodness me, here he is, the peroxide flash! Henry Pollock gathers and takes a glance at the screen, was he almost celebrating before the try line?
It almost cost him with a tap tackle, but he goes down and there's nobody to stop him getting up and scrambling over the line, TRY!
It all started with a big, booming kick, the loose ball was always going to be his and he gathered it impeccably.
It’s Pollock’s third try in 36 minutes of rugby for England, the hype is very much real.
England 10-7 Australia
16:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham59 mins
A great moment for Luke Cowan-Dickie there soon after arriving to win his 50th cap, writes Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
The hooker has always been excellent over the ball and adds to England's jackal threat - which is getting them out of bother at the moment with Australia starting to win the collisions around the corner.
England 10-7 Australia
16:31 , Jack Rathborn57 mins
Valetini gathers the loose ball; it’s like a hot potato bouncing around.
Mitchell ripped the ball forward. Now for a scrum... Will this added bulk off the bench prove significant...
Pollock’s bright hair visible from the back, England go in and search for some control. Australia solid, though, and get the ball out nicely, that was easy enough.
Paisami and Curry’s heads collide there, a glancing blow, but that was nasty.
England 10-7 Australia: Borthwick sends on the 'Bomb Squad'
16:27 , Jack Rathborn53 mins
Big chance for Australia to apply real pressure, but on come the ‘Bomb Squad’ for England.
Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Pollock and Curry all on... What depth for England!
Lovely work from Paisami, Wilson now, Pollard retains the momentum.
No width... PENALTY ENGLAND, they survive.
England 10-7 Australia
16:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham49 mins
Nika Amashukeli's comms have gone, the referee unable to hear his officiating team - which worked against England there, writes Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Assistant James Doleman had called in to penalise Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii near halfway for obstruction, but Amashukeli was, obviously, oblivious - instead, the hosts have a penalty 10 metres from their own line.
We're now reaching about the stage where both coaches will be considering how best to utilise their bench. England are readying several changes...
England 10-7 Australia: Valetini sounds warning to hosts
16:19 , Jack Rathborn47 mins
Mitchell, to Earl, then Mitchell gathers to boot further up than away. The Wallabies retrieve it, Valetini is away, Pollard, Edmed goes wide, then Paisami weaves his way down the sideline, and remains inside the chalk.
Sua'ali'i, clasping the ball with one arm, staying low, dashes into a small gap. Australia threatening. If Pollard had more pace, England would have been left scrambling to save the try.
Penalty to England, but a warning sign.
England 10-7 Australia: Freeman and Heyes force turnover
16:15 , Jack Rathborn43 mins
Cowan-Dickie could be on imminently?
England have deliberately selected their own “Bomb Squad” from the bench... Could that be decisive?
Edmed with lovely hands to gather after a booming game of kicking chess.
A messy midfield battle to start this second half. Chessum in hard to deny Bell.
England win the penalty, too, Australia coughing up the ball at the breakdown, Heyes and Freeman piled in.
George Gregan hails Harry Potter impact in England v Australia
16:09 , Jack Rathborn“What a 40 minutes from here, six carries, five tackles... He saves a try, gets underneath Earl, lots of hard work off the ball,” says George Gregan on TNT Sports.
“It’s tight, what a moment to save five points. England attacking the red zone, I won’t use the pun, his tongue was waving around, he was tired, but he got there in the end.”
England 10-7 Australia
16:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamA half-time lead, then, for England, but they'll be wondering how Australia have escaped only three points in arrears, writes Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
That Harry Potter interception really was a 14-point swing, and we cannot forget it was he who held up Ben Earl when a score seemed certain a couple of minutes before - two try-saving interventions from the wing, ironically a favourite of Steve Borthwick's during their time as coach and player at Leicester Tigers.
England have looked closer to finding fluency in a half that has contained plenty of kicking, and they do have those six Lions to bring off the bench - but the Wallabies have made habit of sticking in games like this during 2025."
HT England 10-7 Australia
15:55 , Jack Rathborn41 mins
OOH! Edmed with a blunder, as time expires... The kick is straight to Baxter, who drives towards the try line.
But Australia hold it up and then scramble to seize the ball and kick into touch.
Edmed can chuckle now, but that was almost a disaster for the visitors.
England 10-7 Australia: Potter stuns hosts with magnificent try
15:50 , Jack Rathborn34 mins
Earl leaves it for Steward... Freeman now, it’s opening up, oh no!!!
Potter with the interception, what a read, he snatches the ball and goes the length of the pitch to score, TRY!
Steward missed the easy pass to Pepper, Potter’s intuition has saved Australia 7 points perhaps, then inspired them to 7 points of their own, what a minute or two.
England 10-0 Australia: Earl denied second try by stunning Potter tackle
15:48 , Jack Rathborn33 mins
Earl is in for another here, surely... NO!
Potter with a response to George with yet more incredible defensive play. A try-saving tackle, then he presses his hands and body under the ball, Earl can’t believe it!
England 10-0 Australia
15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham31 mins
Sam Underhill seldom is the picture of perfect health on the pitch, writes Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
The flanker often sporting a war wound or two - he's having strapping re-applied here on a cut on his head. England don't at all hurt for opensides in this squad - all of Underhill, Guy Pepper, Ben Earl, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock would probably say it is their favoured position.
It's great to see Underhill out there, though, and he's made his presence known in this opening half-hour.
England 10-0 Australia
15:44 , Jack Rathborn29 mins
Feyi-Waboso swarms Potter as the Aussie gathers the loose ball.
Then Harry Wilson displays impeccable footwork, the touch to slash the ball downfield and into touch. Versatile from the Wallabies’ No 8.
A rendition of Sweet Caroline is booming at Twickenham, England with their tails up.
England 10-0 Australia: George denies Wallabies to save try
15:40 , Jack Rathborn25 mins
George with a wonderful reaction, arm under the ball, superb defence.
He’s just saved a certain try and an immediate retaliation from the Wallabies as Pollard snuck in.
Underhill flies in now, blood pouring from his head. It’s heroic stuff.
England 10-0 Australia: Earl scores delightful try after 40m burst
15:34 , Jack Rathborn21 mins
TRY TIME! Early is away and sprinting under the posts, breathtaking from England!
Sua'ali'i exposed and Underhill dashes into the space, the offload is easy enough and a delighted Earl can sprint clear to score. Ford adds the extras.
England’s kicking game working beautifully.
England 3-0 Australia: Ford kicks hosts into lead after dazzling Feyi-Waboso run
15:32 , Jack Rathborn19 mins
What a run by Feyi-Waboso! The claim, then a little dance, before a thudding collision, the offload is straight into Australian hands, though.
A pity, after a dazzling run, the Twickenham crowd erupted there.
Ford with a kick and that’s the lead, England with first blood.
England 0-0 Australia: Sua'ali'i hunting Steward in gripping battle
15:30 , Jack Rathborn16 mins
Oooh, that was tasty, Steward with some heat there from Sua'ali'i with that claim.
Up and over from Gordon, this a clear tactic to isolate Steward, the ball squirming out a little after Potter brushes the ball. But the Wallabies are caught cold, Freeman is almost gone and smothered to the turf.
Sua'ali'i slapping his man down and that’ll need another look. Scrum time...
England 0-0 Australia
15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham13 mins
Australia are understood to have been furious with the accusation levelled, allegedly, by England about their illegal ruck work, as reported in the Daily Telegraph on Thursday.
Fascinating, then, to see an early penalty for side entry against the hosts - you do wonder if referee Nika Amashukeli will at all be impacted by Steve Borthwick's suggestions.
England 0-0 Australia
15:23 , Jack Rathborn10 mins
Chessum, to Ford... Freeman now, but that’s broken down for England. The Wallabies with some respite, finally.
Edmed boots into touch. Gordon picks up the ball and surges for five metres, a couple of meaty collisions in the midfield. Pepper standing firm for the hosts and that one is up high... OUCH!
Freeman was underneath it and suffered a big collision.
England 0-0 Australia
15:19 , Jack Rathborn7 mins
Oooh, that’s contentious from Kellaway, does he take that away from Feyi-Waboso, some discussion about a penalty try...
Nothing given and Tupou delivers an almighty hit. England closing in, George with a quickly-taken penalty, rejected... Chessum... So close!
Heyes, now, but England rebuffed, Wilson putting it all on the line to salvage this situation for the Wallabies. What a start from England!
England 0-0 Australia
15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham5 mins
We know the aerial battle will be crucial today, and it hasn't been a great start for England in that area. There were shades of the end of last year's game in how Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii beat Maro Itoje to the opening kick off, and Freddie Steward also made a horlicks of his first high ball claim. England's ruck work has been good, though, so far, after plenty of attention on that area over the last couple of days.
England 0-0 Australia
15:15 , Jack Rathborn3 mins
Gordon swishes it wide and Potter with a delicate dab to send England spinning back.
They recover well and secure the penalty, a breather here and Ford kicks to touch.
George to Chessum and Ford, again, sending it high into the Twickenham sky. This one has ignited, penalty England!
Lewis Moody handed mighty ovation at Twickenham
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleA mighty reception for Lewis Moody as the ex-England captain delivers the match ball, writes Rugby Union Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle at Twickenham.
Twickenham rising to salute the former flanker after his recent MND diagnosis. Rugby really has rallied around Moody, as it has, sadly, so many times before.
One of Moody's sons is with him here, which is lovely; the other, talented Southampton goalkeeper Dylan, is in Qatar preparing for the Fifa U17 World Cup.
England vs Australia
15:08 , Jack RathbornA huge reception for the players as they step out onto the Allianz Stadium turf, Twickenham rises and the fireworks go off.
God Save The King rings around the stadium, we’re ready to go, this should be a cracker!
Borthwick on picking Freeman over Slade and Lawrence and Pollock's chances to play on the wing
15:05 , Jack Rathborn“Tom is a great player, He can play in the centre, it’s something we’ve worked on.
“I think, that list of names, a lot of good players, something to build on, the strength in depth, competition for places, it’s exciting.
“It’s how we want to play the game. We’re looking forward to seeing Pollock come on and affect the game, a really talented Australia team, I’m pleased with how this week have gone.
What about Pollock on the wing off the bench?
“He gets on the pitch and gets his hands on the ball, it’ll be exciting, he’s an incredible talent. I’ve spoken about the different permutations. The more they spend time together, the more we can explore them.”
England vs Australia match officials
14:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleGiven the back-and-forth about Australia’s ruck entry this week, it could be an interesting day for Nika Amashukeli, the Georgian referee in charge this afternoon. Amashukeli has experienced this sort of clash more and more over the last couple of years but how he adjudicates the breakdown could be fascinating.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: James Doleman (NZ) & Craig Evans (Wal)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Can England stop Suaalii's aerial threat?
14:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland have had young gun Noah Caluori in camp this week, in part with a view to getting the uber-talented 19-year-old wing involved at Test level sooner rather than later, but also to provide practice against the aerial challenge that Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will provide. The gifted Caluori is one of the few athletes in the world that can match Suaalii’s vertical spring, which so bedevilled England in last year’s meetings at restarts particularly. England have been working hard to secure their kick off receipt - but Australia will surely try to attack them again.
Ben Earl, Andre Esterhuizen and what rugby’s hybrid players tell us about the future of the sport
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleBen Earl is one of a number of international players cross-training in the forwards and backs, with the Springboks utilising Andre Esterhuizen as back row cover at Wembley a little later. What is behind this developing trend?
Earl, Esterhuizen and what hybrid players tell us about the future of rugby
‘I hate the term hybrid’: How Ben Earl is embracing the future with England
14:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAfter a tour with the British and Irish Lions that gave him a fresh perspective and “new lease of life”, it could be a big autumn for Ben Earl. I sat down with the flanker-cum-centre to talk his hatred of the word hybrid, the pressures of hype and the autumn ahead.
‘I hate the term hybrid’: How Ben Earl is embracing the future with England
Fraser Dingwall backs Tommy Freeman to thrive in England centre role
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleFraser Dingwall insists his familiarity with Northampton Saints team-mate Tommy Freeman means their centre combination will hit the ground running as England open their autumn against Australia.
Freeman has been given the number 13 jersey for today’s Allianz Stadium showdown despite having played the bulk of his rugby as a wing, including as a Test British and Irish Lion during the summer.
The 24-year-old sees his future at outside centre and against the Wallabies he has the opportunity to prove his pace, power and running lines can threaten in a more central role.
Fraser Dingwall backs Tommy Freeman to thrive in England centre role
Team news - Australia
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia are without Europe-based standouts including new Exeter duo Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper, with this game falling outside of the Test window in which clubs must make players available. Tane Edmed continues at fly half with Carter Gordon, lured back from the NRL ahead of this campaign, not yet fit to return to action, while Hunter Paisami partners Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii in the centres.
Taniela Tupou starts on the tighthead ahead of Allan Alaalatoa, while Hamish Stewart provides playmaking cover among the replacements.
Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Taniela Tupou; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tane Edmed; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Hunter Paisami, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Andrew Kellaway.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Nick Champion de Crespigny; 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Your 23 Wallabies to take on England.
— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 30, 2025
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Team news - England
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSteve Borthwick names an intriguing looking England side, balancing some of those who went well on the two-Test tour of Argentina with returning British and Irish Lions. Fin Baxter, Jamie George and Joe Heyes start in the front row with three Lions held in reserve, while Bath teammates Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill are deployed either side of Ben Earl in an athletic back row.
Tommy Freeman continues his education in the centres as the Northampton back wears 13, while George Ford is chosen ahead of Fin Smith and Marcus Smith at fly half. Freddie Steward starts at full-back and there are six Lions, including Henry Pollock and a fit-again Tom Curry, on the bench.
England XV: 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 George Ford; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Tommy Freeman, 14 Tom Roebuck; 15 Freddie Steward.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock; 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Fin Smith.
Team news is in 📋
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 28, 2025
Steve Borthwick has named his 23-player squad for Saturday’s @QuilterNations opener against the @wallabies.@O2 | #WearTheRose
Australia captain Harry Wilson hits back at England over claims of illegal breakdown tactics
13:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleHarry Wilson, the Australia captain, hit back at England’s apparent criticism yesterday, suggesting that the idea that Joe Schmidt was coaching them to ruck illegally was misplaced.
Australia captain hits back at England over claims of illegal breakdown tactics
England accuse Australia of illegal play at the breakdown before crunch Test
13:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleTensions were inflamed, slightly, on Thursday night with The Telegraph reporting that England had made clear to today’s referee, Nika Amashukeli, that they felt the Wallabies have got away with more than their fair share of ruck misdeeds over the last few months. The legality of entry points is not something that any Test nation, really, can criticise - they are all it - but it will be intriguing to see how that area is officiated today.
England accuse Australia of illegal play at the breakdown before crunch Test
Luke Cowan-Dickie admits he feared he would never join England’s 50-cap club
13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleLuke Cowan-Dickie is poised to join England’s 50-cap club admitting injury and an encounter with rugby’s judiciary left him fearing the day would never come.
Cowan-Dickie will reach the milestone against Australia off the bench in today’s autumn opener at Allianz Stadium in what will be a triumph of resilience having made his Test debut in 2015.
Two years ago, he suffered nerve damage in his right arm when a routine decompression surgery to his neck went wrong and it was 16 months before he could play at a reasonable level.
An episode of the heart condition atrial fibrillation when playing for Sale also caused alarm, while last week he faced a disciplinary hearing after receiving a 20-minute red card for a dangerous tackle on Saracens’ Tom Willis.
Luke Cowan-Dickie admits he feared he would never join England’s 50-cap club
England and Australia's contrasting preparations
13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle“We’ve got four sessions, they’ve got four months. That’s fact,” said Steve Borthwick earlier this week as he reflected on his lack of preparation time for a four-match autumn series that also features fixtures against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.
The Wallabies have played 11 matches so far this year compared to England’s eight, the most recent of which was last Saturday’s 19-15 victory over Japan in Tokyo.
However, James O’Connor, Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper and Will Skelton are unavailable because the game falls outside the international window and Australia head coach Joe Schmidt countered that he is looking at England’s schedule enviously.
“This year we have 15 Test matches across 20 weeks, in eight countries, in 10 different time zones. I’d be happy to swap that for four training sessions, to be honest,” he said.
Tane Edmed starts at fly half for Australia
13:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Australia fly half situation remains a little bit of messy, with neither Noah Lolesio nor Tom Lynagh on this European tour after their problems with concussion earlier this year, and James O’Connor unavailable for this game at least having moved to Leicester. To compound matters, Carter Gordon is not yet fit enough to feature after moving back to rugby union from the NRL - leaving Tane Edmed, who was playing club rugby in Sydney earlier in 2025, to take the reins.
Tane Edmed starts at fly half as Australia reveal team for England clash
Lewis Moody’s legendary bravery on the rugby pitch can fuel MND fight
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAfter Lewis Moody’s diagnosis was announced, Luke Baker celebrated the character of a special rugby player and special man:
Lewis Moody’s legendary bravery on the rugby pitch can fuel MND fight
Lewis Moody set for emotional Twickenham return for England v Australia after MND diagnosis
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleLewis Moody will make an emotional return to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham today when he delivers the match ball for England’s first match of the Autumn Nations Series against Australia.
World Cup winner Moody revealed last month that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and the rugby world has quickly rallied round the popular ex-England flanker as he battles the degenerative condition.
Lewis Moody set for emotional Twickenham return after MND diagnosis
England v Australia
12:55 , Jack Rathborn
Last time out for Australia...
12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia were in action in Tokyo last weekend, surviving a scare and a sloppy performance against a familiar foe as Eddie Jones’s Japan fell just short.
Australia get one over on Eddie Jones with rain-soaked Japan win
Why Henry Pollock could feature on the wing for England this autumn
12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleHenry Pollock was one of those we picked out as the young back row embarks on his first full campaign as an England squad member. Steve Borthwick is sure to give the 20-year-old plenty of run on the flank and at No 8 - but is also asking him to work on his wing skills, too.
Why Henry Pollock could feature on the wing for England this autumn
Henry Pollock, Carter Gordon and 10 other international rugby players to watch in November
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWant to know who to keep your eye on over these next few weeks? We’ve picked out a player from each of the world’s top 12 nations worth watching:
Henry Pollock and 11 other international rugby players to watch in November
England captain Maro Itoje targets perfect autumn before eyes turn to World Cup
12:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleMaro Itoje is targeting a clean sweep of four Test wins this autumn as the England captain begins the countdown to the 2027 World Cup.
Joe Schmidt’s resurgent Australia visit Allianz Stadium today to launch a series which is completed by fixtures against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.
The All Blacks provide the blockbuster opposition of the campaign on November 15, but dangerous Fiji won on their last visit to Twickenham in 2023 while the Pumas are a force on the global stage once more.
“There’s not a team we’re playing who we can’t beat,” British and Irish Lions skipper Itoje said.
England captain Maro Itoje targets perfect autumn before eyes turn to World Cup
Successful autumn can ignite England’s World Cup charge – but they must beware Australia trap
12:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor England, this autumn marks the start of their charge towards the 2027 World Cup - there has been a real shift in tone from Steve Borthwick, Maro Itoje and co as they set their sights on tournament success in two years’ time.
Autumn can ignite England’s World Cup charge – but they must beware Australia trap
England vs Australia live
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland kick off a fascinating Quilter Nations Series as they renew hostilities with old rivals Australia. Optimism is high in Steve Borthwick’s camp after a strong end to the Six Nations and excellent tour to Argentina - but having been upset by the Wallabies this time last year, they will beware a possible pitfall trap this afternoon.
Kick off at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium is at 3.10pm GMT.
