Overview
- England met referee Nika Amashukeli this week to flag what they say are repeated Wallabies side entries at rucks, citing player welfare in a pre-match meeting allowed under protocol.
- Australia captain Harry Wilson dismissed the claims as selective and not dangerous, insisting Joe Schmidt does not coach illegality at the breakdown.
- Sky Sports reported Australian accusations of England 'whinging', while England staff declined to discuss the meeting and backed Amashukeli’s strong breakdown officiating.
- Both teams named their lineups for Saturday, with England selecting 12 British & Irish Lions and a six‑forward bench, and Australia missing Europe‑based Will Skelton, Len Ikitau, James O’Connor and Tom Hooper due to the release window.
- Steve Borthwick said England had only four training sessions together, a point countered by Wilson and Schmidt referencing Australia’s heavy match schedule, as kickoff is set for 3:10pm at Twickenham.