England v Australia
2am AEDT Sunday 19 November
Twickenham, London
Strap yourselves in, rugby fans, this is the one we've been waiting for. The resurgent Wallabies travel to London to meet the second best team in the world, Eddie Jones’ England. Both teams will be viewing it as a match that will define their season, for better or worse.
While Jones will be disappointed with his team's performance in their last start win over Argentina, Michael Cheika should be rightly pleased with the continued improvement the Wallabies showed against Wales. Granted, the Welsh were missing some key players, and are redeveloping their style of play with a view to the next World Cup, but you can only play what's in front of you. More than the win itself, it will be the manner of play which Cheika will be most satisfied with. There is still plenty to work on, but the improvement from June is undeniable.
One area that will be under the microscope at training this week is discipline. On the wrong side of a 15-4 penalty count last week, the Wallabies will know that cannot be repeated against an English team boasting Owen Farrell’s radar boot. The breakdown is obviously the key, and it will be intriguing to see what adjustments have been made from last week. If Cheika and his men choose to lay blame on the referees instead of taking responsibility themselves, it could be a long night for the Australians.
In many ways, the Wallabies were kept in the game by Welsh handling errors, and it's hard to imagine them getting the same luxury this week. They will need to keep the patience and precision they showed in attack, and shore up the scrum, to be in with a fight.
Michael Cheika has named an unchanged line-up, with the inclusion of Lopeti Timani on an extended bench the only question mark. Many thought Karmichael Hunt would return to inside centre at the expense of Samu Kerevi, but the big Fijian has held onto his spot despite struggling to dent the Welsh defensive line. The English will surely repeat the quick line speed that was so effective for the Welsh, and we can expect to see Hunt injected much earlier this week if Kerevi has limited impact. In the forwards, linchpin Adam Coleman has overcome a thumb injury in what is a vital inclusion for the Wallabies. This is a massive opportunity for him to step against another world class pack.
It's no exaggeration to say that the Wallabies’ season will be judged on the next two games, but especially this one. Defeat the second best team in the world, and avenge the loss to Scotland, and the year can be considered a success. Fall at this final hurdle, and it will be another frustrating year of unfulfilled promise. England are deserved favourites at home, but maybe the 8.5 start for the Aussies will be enough to cling on to. Set your alarm and enjoy your rugby!
Words: Cameron Stokes
Engalnd 1.34
Australia 3.29
Line
England -8.5 1.94
Australia +8.5 1.87
For all the latest Rugby Spring Tour odds, click here.
