Eddie Jones faces his biggest test since taking over as England’s head coach against in-form Australia on Saturday.
Jones was first to admit England were well below par in their victory over Argentina last week and knows his side will need to produce something near their best to topple the Wallabies at fortress Twickenham.
While England laboured to a 21-8 victory against the Pumas, Australia made it three wins on the bounce with victory over Wales in Cardiff and will arrive at Headquarters brimming with confidence.
Coach Michael Cheika has transformed the Wallabies’ fortunes of late highlighted by a famous 23-18 victory over New Zealand less than a month ago.
Key to that success has been the form of half-back pairing Will Genia and fly-half Bernard Foley along with Kurtley Beale, who seems rejuvenated under Cheika’s guidance.
Jones has previously won the war of words between the two men and this time has challenged the Wallabies to bring their ‘A game’ to see just how far his team have come, but I doubt Australia will need too much motivation having lost their last four meetings against England.
In fact, you have to go back to 2015 for Australia’s last success when they famously ended England’s World Cup hopes at Twickenham with a 33-13 victory which marked the end of Stuart Lancaster’s reign.
Former Wallabies coach Jones has recalled Owen Farrell, who sat out last week’s match, and his boot could be crucial in what will be a very tight match.
If England find their best form they should make it 21 wins from 22 Tests under Jones, but if they don’t it’s Cheika who will have the last laugh this time around.
If you are looking for a value bet, Australia look far too big for me at around 5/2 (general). They are in great form and could catch England cold early on.
But England do have a strong bench, which includes Maro Itoje, and it’s the "finishers" that could just give them the edge over the 80 minutes.
With that very much in mind, the Double Result of Australia HT/England FT appeals.
Recommended bets:
2pts Australia HT/England FT at 6/1
1pt Australia to be leading at HT at 2/1
Posted at 1600 BST on 17/11/17.
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