— he still struggles to deliver more than half a game of consistent impact.
England have turned up the heat ahead of their opening autumn Test, accusing Australia of repeatedly using
illegalbreakdown tactics — a move that has only added more spice to one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries
.According to The Telegraph, head coach Steve Borthwick met with match referee Nika Amashukeli on Thursday to raise concerns about the Wallabies’ so-called “side-entry” clean-outs, which England say have been a consistent — and dangerous — feature of their play throughout the year.
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Borthwick is understood to have shown Amashukeli dozens of examples from the Rugby Championship in which Australian players entered rucks from the side, a clear breach of World Rugby laws 15.5 and 15.6.
Despite being illegal, the incidents reportedly went largely unpunished.
“An arriving player must be on their feet and join from behind their offside line; a player may join alongside but not in front of the hindmost player.”
Analysts reviewing footage from the Wallabies’ recent clashes against the British & Irish Lions, New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa identified around 40 possible offences — roughly half of them “clear-cut” infringements.
Australia’s captain Harry Wilson is said to be among the repeat offenders, but the issue appears to run deeper, with several Wallabies forwards accused of pushing the limits at the breakdown — sometimes so subtly that referees fail to spot it.
One thing’s for sure: there’s no love lost between these two rugby powerhouses, and Saturday’s Test promises to deliver all the drama fans crave.
? Match Details
- Fixture: England v Australia
- Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025
- Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
- Kick-off: 3:10pm (UK time)
? How to Watch:
Live coverage begins at 2pm on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and discovery+.
Live coverage begins at 2pm on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and discovery+.
TNT Sports is available via BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media packages, offering up to ten sports channels and TNT Sports Ultimate in HD.
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2025 World XV includes one Scot and one Englishman
South Africa, fresh from winning the Rugby Championship, and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.
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1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)
The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)
Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.
3. Wilco Louw (South Africa— Tight-head Prop)
It was always destined to be a man in green, and we reckon ‘Quadzilla’ just edged out his teammate Thomas du Toit. Taniela Tupou can be electric on his day, but the key words are on his day
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)
A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.
5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)
Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)
A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)
Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)
A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.
9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)
The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)
Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.
11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)
Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)
Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.
13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)
Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)
Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.
15. Juan Cruz Mallia (Argentina)
Most metres made, third-most defenders beaten, third-most offloads, and just one aerial spill from 29 takes during the Rugby Championship — Juan Cruz Mallia was immense. As vital for Los Pumas as he is for Stade Toulousain, the Argentine fullback remains one of world rugby’s most underrated stars.
