England v Australia: Nations Championship – rugby union live

Updates from this 3.10pm GMT KO at Twickenham Email Daniel | Sign up for The BreakdownMaro Itoje returns after an international sabbatical and the birth of his son to skipper his nation once again.Not only does he bring leadership but also class to a second row that includes the tall timber of Alex Coles. Continue reading…

Beware the cornered lion. So says Ugo Monye, who argues that this turbulent build up could bring out the best of England. Two years ago, in his first senior rugby union match, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii dazzled at centre as the Wallabies pulled off a dramatic heist. Since then, he’s not really made that 13 jumper his own but he’s too good to sit on the bench. That means he starts on the wing and will no doubt join the line as well as offer threats in the air. It’s a big game for Declan Meredeth at fly-half. He’s one of seven starting 10s for the Wallabies since the 2023 World Cup in a position that appears more cursed than the Defence Against the Dark Arts post at Hogwarts.

This is his fifth start at first receiver in this period (tied now with Ben Donaldson and Tane Edmed, but still catching Noah Lolesio’s tally of 12). If he can get enough front-foot ball, a sparkling backline will surely cause havoc. Fraser Mcreight, holder of the John Eales medal for best Wallaby of the year, wins his 50th Test cap. There is surely no better fetcher in the game. Rob Valetini surprisngly starts on the bench. But