South Africa v Wales LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Damian Willemse kicks Springboks to last-gasp win

James Doleman wants to make sure the set-up is right before permitting the two front rows to do battle. Twice he whistles after a call of “bind!”, ensuring that both sides are clear of what he expects.

It doesn’t work. England put weight on early and are free-kicked for a premature drive.

England’s two-pronged playmaking axis get into their work, first Farrell at first receiver hitting Joe Marchant on a short line, then Marcus Smith taking Danny Care’s pass and seeking an inside runner. Ellis Genge is that carrier, and initially makes strong progress, but Cadeyrn Neville stalls the loosehead, and Australia hold him up. Scrum, Wallaby ball.

It is Owen Farrell who kicks off for England, landing it just inside Australia’s 22. Nic White clears in typically tidy boxed fashion. England’s first ball will come on the Australian ten metre line.

James Doleman blows his whistle, and Australia against England has begun!

The English national anthem is sung with limited fuss or fanfare, but very pleasantly. England look full of anticipation, bouncing and fizzing.

“Advance Australia Fair” is given more gusto, including an extended final note vibrato. Nic White, sporting ever impressive moustache, shuts his eyes and sings along. Cadeyrn Neville, an unlikely debutant at the age of 33, looks rather proud.

England received their own aboriginal Welcome to Country on arrival at camp in Western Australia last week, and the crowd warmly welcomes the pre-match tradition as the players prepare for the anthems.

It is a longer walk from dressing room to pitch than at some grounds, allowing Michael Hooper and his team a chance to soak up the atmosphere. Noah Lolesio mixes quiet focus with, perhaps, a look of slight apprehension - to change roles so late must be tough, but the Brumbies playmaker is an undeniable talent.

The English players look up at the bright lights that ring the top of Optus Stadium. Most have never lost to Australia. What confidence will that give them?

Mark Ella carries out the Ella-Mobbs Cup - named after the first indigenous captain of Australia and Edgar Mobbs, the Northampton who won seven caps for England before his being killed in action in Flanders during the First World War.

James O’Connor burst into the Australian dressing room still holding his suit bundled up in his arms, having been hurriedly called down from the posh seats. He has hastily got his kit and boots on.

Optus Stadium looks well populated, with the temperature in the low teens. It really is a great sporting arena, though the distant stands are perhaps better suited to the more regular cricket and AFL contests held here.