How the teams compare
England
7 Elliot Daly (Saracens) Yet to convince everyone he is the best option, but adds a gear in attack. 8 Anthony Watson (Bath) Strong and threatening with ball in hand. Will fancy chances in attack. 8 Henry Slade (Exeter) Partnership with Manu Tuilagi is exciting. If he is fit and sharp, it is a great call. 9 Manu Tuilagi (Leicester) So instrumental both in defence and attack. I expect a huge impact. 8 Jonny May (Leicester) Quiet so far, but hasn’t often had the ball in space. Devastating finisher. 8 Owen Farrell (Saracens, c) Move to 10 helps defence but not attack. Top player, needs to find best form. 7 Ben Youngs (Leicester) Fears over his box-kicking and keeping tempo high with quick, accurate ball. 8 Mako Vunipola (Saracens) Is he fully up to speed? If he is, his carrying and offloading will be key. 7 Jamie George (Saracens) Not enough of an impact in the loose so far. The setpiece has been exceptional. 8 Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins) Devastating when he gets up speed. Will look to cause havoc with Mako. 8 Maro Itoje (Saracens) Has had a good World Cup. Physical presence and becoming a leader. 8 Courtney Lawes (N’pton) Will be asked to smash everything for 50 minutes. A sign of England’s intent. 8 Tom Curry (Sale) Increasingly adaptable and effective. Will relish this challenge. 8 Sam Underhill (Bath) Will know he can win this game if he stops Australia from getting quick ball. 7 Billy Vunipola (Saracens) So much riding on him. England will hope two weeks off will have done the trick.
Australia
7 Kurtley Beale (Waratahs) Question over whether he can cope under the high ball and he will be targeted. 7 Reece Hodge (Rebels) Back after a ban. Dangerous going forward, but issues with tackling. 6 Jordan Petaia (Reds) A huge call. Physically imposing, but needs the game of his young life. 9 Samu Kerevi (Reds) The key man. Lethal with ball in hand and incredibly difficult to bring down. 8 Marika Koroibete (Rebels) If he gets into the game he will have a big impact. A threat in broken field. 8 Christian Lealiifano (B’ies) Chopping and changing at 10 cannot have helped. Hasn’t shown a lot so far. 8 Will Genia (Rebels) Has to get Australia playing at pace. Huge experience and leadership. 8 Scott Sio (Brumbies) Key man in an improving pack, although there is still room to get better. 8 Tolu Latu (Waratahs) Line-outs have been very solid. Brings an abrasive attitude that I really like. 8 Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies) We used to expect the Wallaby scrum to crumble – but no more. 8 Izack Rodda (Reds) Has made big strides. Five line-out steals against Fiji and Wales. 8 Rory Arnold (Brumbies) Will think he has a decent chance of disrupting the English line-out. 8 David Pocock (Brumbies) Has not had his usual impact at the breakdown and will look to improve. 8 Michael Hooper (W’tahs, c) The pick of Australia’s back row. Brings aggression and attitude. 7 Isi Naisarani (Rebels) Needs to step up. Has been given a real vote of confidence by Cheika.