England v Australia: Twickenham preview as Itoje returns to captain
England host Australia at Twickenham on Sunday 8 November, and the last meeting between the two ended with a late twist. On 9 November 2024, Australia won 42-37 after a late try from replacement Max Jorgensen. Reuters reported that result.
Kick-off is at 15:10 GMT. The match is part of the Nations Championship, a new competition that brings together 12 teams from the northern and southern hemispheres. It gives the autumn international window a clearer purpose, with each nation playing against sides from the other half of the world. Twickenham is also due to host the competition's finals weekend in late November.
England have Maro Itoje back as captain. Itoje is a second-row forward, one of the tall players who compete for the ball thrown in at a lineout, the set piece where the ball is taken back into play from the touchline. Steve Borthwick remains England's coach. The Guardian's live blog is following the build-up and the match.
Australia are coached by Les Kiss. In October he said he expected a real test from England's attack. Reuters carried his comments. Attack is where the game is likely to be decided, so the sharpness of both sides in the first few phases will be worth watching.
The referee is Pierre Brousset of France, with Nika Amashukeli of Georgia as assistant referee. World Rugby lists the appointments.
If you are coming to the game, England Rugby says tickets start from £79. Gates open at 11:40 and car parks at 10:10, according to England's ticketing help pages. Viewers at home can watch on ITV.
England return to action quickly. They face Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November, both also in the Nations Championship.
For anyone new to the sport, the breakdown is a good place to look. That is the ruck, the contest for the ball on the floor after a tackle, where players from both sides try to win possession or slow the other team's ball. Whoever gets over the ball first often sets the tempo for the next few minutes.
