England vs Australia preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?
A look ahead to the Pool A fixture at Twickenham
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Your support makes all the difference.Defeat for the hosts is not an option if England want to progress to the quarter-finals, but Australia stand in their way of a place in the last eight.
It’s a big game for…
Chris Robshaw: England’s captain has never had to answer for more. Many blame him for his decision to kick for the corner last weekend. To make matters worse, two of the best open-side flankers have been selected against him. Robshaw has to have a big game otherwise the chance has gone.
Teams...
England: Mike Brown; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Brad Barritt, Jonny May; Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Ben Morgan, Chris Robshaw, Tom Wood; Geoff Parling, Joe Launchbury; Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Joe Marler.
Replacements: Rob Webber, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, George Kruis, Nick Easter, Richard Wigglesworth, George Ford, Sam Burgess.
Australia: Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy; Rob Simmons, Kane Douglas; Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio.
Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, Ben McCalman, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale.
Weird stat…
54: This is the number of times England have kicked from hand during the World Cup. No-one has kicked more than England, but Australia have kicked the least, exactly half as much, putting boot to ball 27 times.
Remember when…
In November 2010, England faced an Australian team who were on a high. Finishing second in the Tri-Nations of that year, losing out to a destructive New Zealand side, and demolishing the Welsh the week previously, England played a professional game and took the Wallabies apart. Ashton’s second score was just beautiful, taking the ball from deep in his own half and running the length of the field.
Player to watch…
David Pocock: Scorer of two of Australia’s tries against Fiji, and twice nominated as the IRB Player of the Year, many would fear to see Pocock's name on the opposing team sheet. Predominantly an openside flanker, he has the fetching skills to turn over the ball and give possession back to the Wallabies.
Past three-meetings…
England 26 (Morgan (2)) Australia 17 (Foley, Skelton) Autumn Internationals 2014
England 20 (Robshaw, Farrell) Australia 13 (Toomua) Autumn Internationals 2013
England 14 (Tuilagi) Australia 20 (Cummins) Autumn Internationals 2012
Form guide…
England: WWLWWL
Australia: WWLWWW
Vital information…
Kick-off: 20.00 Saturday 3 October.
TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV (23.35)
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