England’s rugby team has announced its lineup for the opening autumn Test against Australia, scheduled for Saturday at Allianz Stadium. Coach Steve Borthwick has made notable selections, with George Ford taking the fly-half position.
Key Team Changes for England vs Australia
Northampton’s Fin Smith will start on the bench, resulting in an absence for Harlequins playmaker Marcus Smith in the 23-man squad. Tommy Freeman has transitioned from right wing to outside centre, teaming up with Fraser Dingwall, also from Northampton.
Partnerships and Performance
- Dingwall has previously partnered with Freeman during England’s successful Six Nations campaign.
- They triumphed over Wales in March with an impressive performance.
- Freeman has been a consistent performer, starting all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
The chosen midfield combination of Freeman and Dingwall takes precedence over seasoned players Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence. Slade, from Exeter Chiefs, has been in notable form, while Lawrence is making a comeback after recovering from an Achilles injury.
Wingers and Full-Backs
- Tom Roebuck is set to play on the right wing, having scored twice in his international debut against Argentina.
- 22-year-old Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will occupy the left wing, returning from injury and suspension.
- Freddie Steward will fill the full-back role, following an impressive summer where he scored in all Tests against Argentina.
Despite his recent achievements, uncapped Saracens wing Noah Caluori has been left out of the matchday squad.
England’s Pack Composition
In the forward pack, Bath flankers Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill will take the starting positions, with Ben Earl from Saracens at number eight. Notably, Sale hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is poised to earn his 50th cap from the bench.
Tom Curry could make his season debut, providing reinforcement from the substitutes’ bench. With strategic selections and a focus on form, England aims to start the autumn series positively against a formidable Australian side.
