ENGLAND return to Test match action TODAY when they take on Australia in the first of three HUGE encounters – and Eddie Jones' side will be aiming to replicate their win in November.
Owen Farrell made the difference for the Red and Whites as his five penalties and two conversions guided England to a 32-15 win.
However, the Wallabies will be chomping at the bit to get back on that field having not played since November 2021
- Start time: 10.55am BST
- TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Main Event
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What time does Australia vs England kick off?
- Australia entertain England on Saturday, July 2.
- It is scheduled to kick off at 10:55am UK time – 7:15pm local time.
- Optus Stadium in Perth is the assigned arena for this mouth-watering contest which can hold around 60,00 spectators.
- England ran out 32-15 winners when the sides last met at the Twickenham Stadium in November 2021.
What TV channel is Australia vs England on and can I live stream it?
- Australia vs England will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
- Pre-match coverage will commence from 10:15am UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Subscription members of Sky Sports can stream ALL the action live via the Sky Sports website or Sky Go app.
Team news
England boss Eddie Jones has named EIGHT uncapped players in his side to face Australia which includes two apprentice names:Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman, Guy Porter, Patrick Schickerling, Jack van Poortvliet, Jack Walker, Henry Arundell and Will Joseph.
Alex Dombrandt, Joe Cokanasiga, George Ford, Sam Simmonds, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Kyle Sinckler, Anthony Watson, Louis Lynagh and George Furbank are all unavailable through injury
However, Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith will combine as forwards whilst Billy Vunipola returns to the squad.
Meanwhile, Australian head coach Dave Rennie has also dropped uncapped players in his squad.
Pone Fa’amausili, Nick Frost, Jed Holloway, Cadeyrn Neville, David Porecki and Suliasi Vunivalu will feature for the first time in an Wallabies shirt.
But Rennie has received a huge blow as Western Force lock Izack Rodda has been ruled out with an injury.
Latest odds
- Australia to win 4/7
- Draw 19/1
- England 6/4
*Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication
- Kieran Davies
Perfect conditions for test head to head
The Optus Stadium in Perth is looking ready for one of the oldest rivalries in sport.
Dave Rennie will be hoping his side can use the occasion to bounce back in front of their own fans.
The Wallabies are currently not looking anything like the side who would always be heavily fancied for a World Cup tournament.
Credit: Getty - Kieran Davies
Experience could be key for Wallabies
Veteran skipper Michael Hooper will earn his 119th cap today for Australia.
His experience and leadership could be key against a team in a very similar situation to themselves.
James Slipper is among the replacements today and should more experience be required he will be available from the bench, looking to earn his 115th Wallabies cap.
- Kieran Davies
Pressure mounts on both coaches
It is a great place to be when things are going well but when they are not, head coach can be one of the loneliest jobs around.
The media constantly questioning whether a change is required to freshen things up and get back to what is expected of the rugby powerhouse.
Victory only gives breathing space for the coach involved, winning is expected to be second-nature in these roles.
- Kieran Davies
Looking to get back on track
The Wallabies themselves went on a whistlestop tour of the UK in November and found themselves on the end of three defeats against Scotland, England and Wales.
England on the other hand lost their final two games of the Guinness Six Nations which was then followed by a heavy defeat against the Barbarians last month.
Two out-of-sorts teams go head to head as England begin their three match tour of Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
- Kieran Davies
Welcome to Australia vs England
One of the oldest sporting rivalries continues today as Eddie Jones’ England begin their three-match tour of the Australia with both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing campaigns which saw them both lost their last three matches on the bounce.
Eddie Jones has named Courtney Lawes as captain for this match ahead of Owen Farrell, who starts his first England game this year at inside centre.
Marcus Smith will start at fly-half, alongside his Harlequins teammate Danny Care, who will make his first test appearance for England in almost four years.
Billy Vunipola will make his first international appearance since March 2021, being joined in the back row by Lawes and Tom Curry.
Freddie Stewart starts at full-back following a fantastic Premiership campaign, while Joe Cokanasiga and Jack Nowell are on the wings.
The tourists will be without Charlie Ewels after he suffered a knee injury in training on Wednesday and has since been replaced in the squad by Sam Jefferies.
Australia has named two debutants in their starting XV with hooker David Porecki and 33-year-old lock Cadeyrn Neville making their first appearances.
Quade Cooper starts at fly-half, alongside his fellow overseas players Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi.
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