Betting: Australia to provide England with stern test at Twickenham
A record-equalling 14th consecutive victory is the prize for England as they host Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.
A win at the home of rugby will complete an unbeaten calendar year for Eddie Jones’ side and a fourth successive victory over The Wallabies.
Australia will be seeking revenge after The Red Rose completed an unprecedented 3-0 whitewash Down Under in the summer.
Both coaches have exchanged verbal blows in the build-up to the showdown.
Jones questioned Australia’s scrummaging technique in the aftermath of last week’s victory against Argentina, with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika returning fire by claiming Jones had tarnished his reputation in his homeland.
The war of words has added fuel to what already promises to be a fiery encounter.
Whilst Jones’ side go into the game full of confidence, their mounting injury problems make the game difficult to predict.
Maro Itoje and James Haskell, who played starring roles in the series victory this summer, have missed the autumn international series completely, and world player of the year nominee Billy Vunipola has been ruled out for three months after suffering a knee injury last weekend.
In the backline, in-form Elliot Daly is unavailable after his red-card against the Pumas.
Nerves could creep into an England team who are 80 minutes from an unblemished 2016 record, and evens on Australia at +8.5 handicap with Betway looks a great bet.
A highly motivated Aussie side will be looking to erase some of this summer’s pain, as they provide Dylan Hartley and co. with their toughest test of the autumn.
Despite a 27-24 defeat to Ireland last week, Cheika’s men have found their stride again in what has been a turbulent year.
Recent wins over France, Wales and Scotland have restored confidence and belief that they can beat this England side.
I’ll be selling England supremacy at 9 with Sporting Index.
Pointers
Australia (+8.5 points) – Evens (Betway)
Sell England supremacy – 9 (Sporting Index)