England's Nine-Game Surge Meets the All Blacks — Ireland Hosts Wobbling Wallabies

England's run and the looming All Blacks test

The boos at Twickenham still linger in memory after George Ford's late misses in England's 24-22 defeat to New Zealand a year ago, when a penalty struck the post and a dropped goal went wide. Coach Steve Borthwick also took criticism for his substitutions that night — bringing on Ford after five weeks out and replacing Marcus Smith, who had been in outstanding form and had converted all five of his kicks.

Now Borthwick and Ford remain central to England's plans as they host the All Blacks on Saturday, aiming to cap a year of redemption. Ford ceded the Six Nations No. 10 role to the inexperienced Fin Smith; while Fin later toured Australia with the British & Irish Lions, Ford — never a Lion — co-captained a depleted England to an impressive series win in Argentina and celebrated his 100th Test.

Borthwick has overseen nine consecutive wins, England's longest streak in eight years, and has earned praise for bold selection choices. He has even built a bench capable of carrying six Lions, nicknamed the "pom squad" — a play on South Africa's famed "bomb squad." Borthwick has praised Ford's leadership and game understanding and predicted he could one day become an England coach.

"He's a phenomenal player and many years from now he's going to be a brilliant coach," Borthwick said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he was England head coach at some point."

England's confidence is built on a winning run, a powerful bench, detailed breakdown work, accurate high kicks and robust close-in defence — traits that give them belief they can beat the All Blacks at Twickenham for the first time since 2012. New Zealand, however, arrive self-assured: "History matters and how you've done it," coach Scott Robertson said. "You look at what other teams have done before and how we can tap into that."

Ireland v Australia — Wallabies struggle

Australia risk finishing a European tour without a win for the first time in 67 years after losses to England and Italy. That downturn has prompted reflection from second-year Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who said he is trying to reset the squad before handing over to Les Kiss next year.

"You want to leave things set up and that was really my commitment to Les and to Rugby Australia," Schmidt said.

Other Tests and implications

Other weekend fixtures include South Africa in Italy, France hosting Fiji, and Wales facing Japan in Cardiff — a result that could influence the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. Wales (12th) and Japan (13th) risk the loser being placed in a pool with two heavyweights rather than one, making qualification harder. Scotland face Argentina on Sunday.

Team news and selection changes

England, after a 38-18 win over Fiji, have nearly restored the side that beat Australia 25-7: Alex Coles and Ollie Lawrence step in for the injured Ollie Chessum and Tommy Freeman. New Zealand have shifted flanker Wallace Sititi to the bench and started the taller Simon Parker; Billy Proctor moves to centre with Leicester Fainga'anuku covering the wing after Caleb Clarke’s concussion.

Ireland hand Sam Prendergast the No. 10 jersey, and Mack Hansen starts at fullback following injuries to Hugo Keenan and Jamie Osborne. Australia have refreshed their midfield and back three with James O'Connor, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen and brought Allan Alaalatoa back to the front row.

South Africa made 11 planned changes after beating France last weekend and notably have no hooker among the reserves — No. 8 Marco van Staden is listed to cover hooker Johan Grobbelaar, a move Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada called "very intelligent management" despite the risk. Italy has been bolstered by players who missed the July South Africa tour, including stand-in captain Juan Ignacio Brex, Ange Capuozzo, Monty Ioane and Paolo Garbisi.

Louis Rees-Zammit makes his first start for Wales after an NFL tryout, having impressed off the bench against Argentina. Olly Cracknell earns a first Test start in place of injured captain Jac Morgan. France recalled Gregory Alldritt and named him captain in place of the omitted Gaël Fickou; Charles Ollivon shifts to lock for the injured Thibault Flament.

Injuries and suspensions

England winger Tommy Freeman (hamstring) and Ireland fullback Jamie Osborne (shoulder) are ruled out for the remainder of the autumn series. Wales suffered a major blow when captain Jac Morgan dislocated his left shoulder scoring a try against Argentina; he faces surgery and is unlikely to be ready for the Six Nations in February.

South Africa lock Lood de Jager will miss the rest of the month after a red card for a no-arms tackle on Thomas Ramos led to a four-game ban.

Off the field

Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney has begun a phased return after cancer treatment. Tierney stepped down in mid-August but remained close to WRU leadership during plans to reform the professional game, including proposals to reduce the number of regional sides. "Abi's return brings strength and continuity at a time of change," WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood said. Tierney was appointed the WRU's first female CEO in August 2023.