England v Australia Preview: Can Borthwick’s Side Make a Winning Start at Twickenham?

England return to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday 8th November 2026 for a highly anticipated encounter against Australia, as Steve Borthwick’s side begin the Northern Hemisphere leg of the inaugural Rugby Nations Championship.

The two great international rivals will meet in Round Four of the competition, with England looking to build on an encouraging summer campaign and strengthen their position ahead of the tournament’s Finals Weekend later this month.

With the Wallabies determined to avenge last year’s defeat at Twickenham, and both nations preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, another competitive encounter is expected when the two sides meet in London.

England Looking to Build on Strong Summer Results

Steve Borthwick’s England enter November having won two of their opening three Nations Championship fixtures, recovering impressively from a 45-21 defeat against South Africa in Johannesburg.

England responded with a dominant 73-8 victory over Fiji before securing an important 31-24 win against Argentina, demonstrating their attacking potential against southern hemisphere opposition.

The challenge now is to translate those performances into victories on home soil, with Australia, Japan and New Zealand all visiting Twickenham over three consecutive weekends.

Captain Maro Itoje will be central to England’s ambitions, while the likes of Ben Earl, Henry Pollock and Tommy Freeman provide considerable quality throughout the squad.

Borthwick also has several selection decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s encounter, particularly at fly-half, where Fin Smith has been recovering from a calf injury. George Ford and Marcus Smith offer experienced alternatives should the Northampton Saints playmaker be unavailable.

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, November represents another opportunity for England’s players to establish themselves in Borthwick’s long-term plans.

Australia Arrive Looking to Challenge England

Australia head to Twickenham under Head Coach Les Kiss following a mixed international campaign in 2026.

The Wallabies suffered defeats against Ireland and France during the summer Nations Championship fixtures before recording a convincing 57-10 victory against Italy. Their subsequent performances have been inconsistent, including two defeats against New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup.

However, Australia possess plenty of attacking quality capable of troubling England’s defence.

Captain Harry Wilson will be an influential figure in the back row, while Fraser McReight provides another significant threat at the breakdown. In the backs, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen offer the pace and attacking ability to punish defensive mistakes.

The return of experienced players including Taniela Tupou and Carter Gordon to the wider squad gives Kiss further options ahead of Australia’s European fixtures.

The Wallabies will be determined to produce a statement performance against England, particularly with the next Rugby World Cup taking place on Australian soil.

England Looking for Another Victory Over the Wallabies

England and Australia have enjoyed several memorable encounters at Twickenham in recent years, including two contrasting meetings in 2024 and 2025.

Australia produced a remarkable comeback to defeat England 42-37 in November 2024, with Max Jorgensen scoring a dramatic late try to secure a memorable victory for the visitors.

However, England responded emphatically when the nations met again in November 2025.

Borthwick’s side recorded a convincing 25-7 victory, with four tries helping England reclaim the Ella-Mobbs Trophy and secure an important win against their long-standing rivals.

That result will provide England with confidence ahead of Sunday’s meeting, although Australia’s ability to produce moments of individual brilliance means another victory is far from guaranteed.

What Could Decide England v Australia?

England’s forward pack could prove decisive, particularly at the scrum and breakdown, where Borthwick will be looking for his side to establish control.

The experience of Itoje, Ellis Genge and Jamie George could be crucial against a physical Australian pack, while England’s back-row options provide considerable energy in both attack and defence.

Australia, meanwhile, will look to create opportunities through their dangerous backline, with Suaalii and Jorgensen capable of exploiting space if England lose their defensive shape.

Discipline and territory could also prove important, particularly in a contest between two teams looking to build momentum in the Nations Championship.

With the home crowd behind them and the experience gained during their summer victories, England will be confident of securing a positive result. However, the Wallabies will provide a stern examination of their progress.

England v Australia 2026 FAQs

When is England v Australia in the 2026 Nations Championship?

England face Australia on Sunday 8th November 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 15:10 GMT at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Who won the last England v Australia rugby match?

England defeated Australia 25-7 at Twickenham on 1st November 2025, scoring four tries to reclaim the Ella-Mobbs Trophy.

Who is the England Rugby Head Coach?

Steve Borthwick is England’s Head Coach, having taken charge of the national team in December 2022.

Which teams will England face in November 2026?

England face Australia on 8th November, Japan on 14th November and New Zealand on 21st November, before the Nations Championship Finals Weekend from 27th to 29th November.

Can I book England v Australia hospitality tickets?

Yes. Eventmasters offers Twickenham Stoop Hospitality and Private Box Hospitality experiences for England’s fixture against Australia. The Stoop package is hospitality-only, while Private Box packages include match seating.