England Names Unchanged Squad for Key Showdown Against Australia
England head coach Steve Borthwick has opted for consistency by naming an unchanged starting line-up for their upcoming test against Australia on Saturday, despite a close 24-22 loss to New Zealand last weekend. England's campaign in the November internationals began on a dramatic note, with George Ford narrowly missing a last-minute drop goal against the All Blacks. However, Borthwick has placed his trust in the same group, hoping for a different outcome as they prepare to face a Wallabies side struggling under head coach Joe Schmidt.
While the starting XV remains unchanged, Borthwick made a subtle tactical adjustment by switching Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence’s positions in the midfield. Slade will now slot in at outside centre, while Lawrence moves to inside centre, aiming to add depth and dynamism to England’s offensive play. There are also two changes on the bench, with Luke Cowan-Dickie replacing Theo Dan as a hooker and Ben Curry stepping aside to allow for a five-three forward-backs split.
Cowan-Dickie’s return is particularly notable, as this will mark his first appearance under Borthwick. The 31-year-old last played for England in Eddie Jones’s final match as head coach, also against the Wallabies. Since then, Cowan-Dickie has faced significant health challenges, including nerve damage from neck surgery and atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that stalled his career. His return adds experience and grit to England’s lineup, with Northampton wing Ollie Sleightholme also joining the bench to bolster England’s backline options.
The upcoming match holds significant stakes, as England looks to break a streak of three close losses to New Zealand while seeking redemption against a Wallabies side that has been on a downward trend. Currently ranked ninth in the world, Australia struggled in the recent Rugby Championship, winning only one of their six matches. However, Borthwick remains wary of underestimating their opponents, emphasizing that any clash with Australia demands intense preparation and respect.
“Facing Australia is always a massive challenge,” Borthwick commented, expressing admiration for the passionate home crowd at Twickenham, which will once again be instrumental in motivating the team.
England’s impressive record against Australia—with 10 wins in their last 11 encounters—gives them a psychological edge, but Borthwick’s squad will have to be at their best to secure a victory against the Wallabies. As the Twickenham crowd gathers to cheer on the team this weekend, England will look to capitalize on the home advantage and end their series of narrow defeats with a decisive win.
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