1 month ago
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Autumn Nations Series: England v Australia
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Date: Saturday, 9 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT
Coverage: Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
England hope Ollie Lawrence's switch to outside centre against Australia will enable the Bath star to bring his ball-carrying power to the fore on Saturday.
The 25-year-old started at inside centre in England's opening Autumn Nations Series defeat by New Zealand, but has been instrumental in Bath's rise to the top of the Premiership from 13.
Henry Slade previously started every Test for England this year at outside centre, and his positional switch with Lawrence was Steve Borthwick's only change for Saturday as he looks to end a three-game winless run.
"I want Ollie to touch the ball in as much space as he can, he is go-forward for us," England senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth told BBC Sport.
"I want the players to show exactly what they can do and put their best on the pitch.
"The numbers on their back have been interchangeable in some specific transition stuff and how we can get them into the best positions to show off their skills."
Despite being a kick away from beating the All Blacks, Borthwick's side only managed one breakaway try through wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
Lawrence only made two carries in the game - the joint-lowest alongside props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart - but he topped England's tackle stats with 27.
It will be the eighth game in a row both Slade and Lawrence will pair up in England's midfield and while their shirt numbers are changing, both have previously swapped positions during Test matches.
One standout example came during this year's Six Nations when Slade set up Lawrence for a vital try against France in Lyon right before half-time.
The decision was not fully down to the coaches after both England centres raised their views to staff on how a shift might help get the best out of their dangerous backline.
"We do it anyway, if it is attack or defence we are always switching about, but there is more emphasis this week in me being in the wider channels and it is something we think we can explore," added Lawrence.
"Credit to Steve he's given us the green light to give it a crack."
The positional switch means Lawrence's opposite number in the Australian ranks will be rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who will be playing his first professional game of XVs.
The 21-year-old recently switched from league in a three-year deal reportedly worth A$5.35m (£2.7m), and last played rugby union for Australian Schoolboys in 2019.
"I've seen some of his league stuff as I watch some league and he is a great player," said Lawrence.
"Switching codes to union is a challenge in itself, he will want to just enjoy the occasion more than anything.
"It is tough coming into this environment and the outside noise to be a certain player or do what you are doing in league, but hopefully he goes out there and enjoys it.
"There are no mind games from my perspective, just an opportunity to play against great players."
Former Sydney Roosters wing or centre Suaalii made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut as a 17-year-old, having impressed as a schoolboy in both codes.
"He is a world-class talent and elite rugby player, [coach] Joe Schmidt will not put in a guy who is not ready," added Wigglesworth.
"A young man with incredible talent that we will have to do a job on."
