Overview
- England coach Steve Borthwick met referee Nika Amashukeli and presented around 40 clips alleging illegal side-entry clean-outs by Australia, with roughly 20 described as clear-cut.
- Player-safety concerns were emphasized around jacklers’ knees and legs under World Rugby’s tightened breakdown laws, which prohibit rolling, twisting or dropping weight in clear-outs.
- Australia captain Harry Wilson rejected the claims as overstated and not dangerous, saying the Wallabies expect a fair contest and are comfortable in the underdog role.
- The Test kicks off Saturday at 15:10 GMT at Twickenham, with Amashukeli officiating; England start George Ford at fly-half and have a heavyweight bench, while Australia retain Tane Edmed at 10 and recall Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen.
- Because the match falls outside the release window, Australia cannot select Europe-based players including Will Skelton, Len Ikitau, James O’Connor and Tom Hooper, whereas an RFU–Premiership deal allows England to field a full-strength squad.