George Ford has been selected as the fly-half for England’s first autumn Test against Australia, slated for Saturday at Allianz Stadium. Finn Smith from Northampton has been moved to the bench, while Harlequins’ Marcus Smith has not made the 23-man squad.
Tommy Freeman transitions from the right wing to outside center, partnering with fellow Northampton player Fraser Dingwall. Scrum-half Alex Mitchell expressed enthusiasm about Freeman’s adaptability, stating, “He will be just as effective at 13 as he is on the wing… He’s got the speed, the power, the height,” emphasizing Freeman’s ability to make an impact from his new position.
Dingwall, aged 26, has previously collaborated with Freeman in the midfield during England’s impressive Six Nations victory against Wales earlier this year. Their selection was made despite competition from in-form players like Henry Slade of Exeter Chiefs and Ollie Lawrence, who has recently returned from a ruptured Achilles.
Sale’s Tom Roebuck secures the right wing position, while Immanuel Feyi-Waboso takes the left wing. Roebuck has proven to be a dependable performer, having scored twice in the first Test against Argentina. Feyi-Waboso, despite a suspension that kept him out of the recent matches against the Pumas, has shown promise this season with seven tries.
Freddie Steward will be at full-back, replacing Marcus Smith, who had featured in earlier Six Nations games. Borthwick’s reliance on performance from the summer tests is apparent, especially given Steward’s success against Argentina.
The forwards see Bath flankers Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill starting, alongside Ben Earl of Saracens at number eight. Sale hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is poised to earn his 50th cap from the bench, while team-mate Tom Curry may also see his first action this season.
England’s lineup to face Australia is as follows: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Feyi-Waboso; Ford, Mitchell; Baxter, George, Heyes, Itoje (captain), Chessum, Pepper, Underhill, Earl. The replacements include Cowan-Dickie and others.
With a mix of fresh talent and returnees, England looks to build momentum as they face a formidable Australian side, fostering excitement among fans for the upcoming clash.