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tommy freeman will begin its transition to the outer center After being named in the number 13 jersey by steve borthwick For EnglandThe first match of the Autumn Nations Series against Australia this weekend.
Northampton Saints star Freeman has won the majority of his 21 England caps as a winger, where he Also played three test matches For the British and Irish Lions in the summer, but now they will take on a new role At the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.
The 24-year-old, who scored four tries for the Saints against Saracens on Friday, has long seen his future at outside center and Started at number 13 against Wales During the Six Nations following an injury to Ollie Lawrence earlier this year.
Now Borthwick has decided to completely eliminate his powerful presence in the centers with the 2027 Rugby World Cup less than two years away. Earlier this week, Freeman’s Northampton teammates Alex Mitchell – who started at scrum half against the Wallabies – backed his compatriot to shine in a new position.
“Tommy’s confidence is sky high and his form is amazing,” Mitchell said. “He will be as good as he is at 13 on the wing and it will be exciting to see him go there and see how he progresses.
“It’s a different situation and he appreciates it, but there won’t be too many changes with him – he’ll just want to get the ball in his hands and try to get over people and get past people.
“He’s got speed, power, height. He understands the game. We know if he puts it all together, he’s a fantastic player. He’s showing that at the moment.”
There will be familiarity for Freeman on Saturday as not only will Mitchell take over the duties at number 9 but another Northampton Saint, Fraser Dingwall, will start alongside him at inside centre.
The change inside Freeman allows the influential Tom Roebuck to remain on the right wing with the return Emmanuel Faye-Waboso – who has been unbeaten for Exeter so far this season – on the left wing and Freddie Steward, after shining on the summer tour of Argentina, was named at full back.
A number of players who impressed against Argentina while many of the big names were on Lions duty have been retained in Borthwick’s autumn first starting XV, although there is no place in the 23 yet. Rising, 19-year-old superstar Noah Caluori Following his try-scoring heroics for Saracens and a surprise call-up to the wider team.
George Ford has won the fly-half battle and has been preferred at number 10 over the two Smiths – Marcus and Finn (who are on the bench), while Bath star Guy Pepper will win his fourth cap at blindside flanker, while Sam Underhill is on the other flank and Ben Earl at number eight.
The front row that caused the Pumas all sorts of problems has been given the opportunity to do the same against Australia as Finn Baxter and Joe Hayes start either side of experienced hooker Jamie George, while Maro Itoje captains the side as expected with Ollie Chasem in the second row.
The above is a 6-2 split on the bench with Finn Smith and scrum half Ben Spencer the only back options, while Henry Pollock should be on the bench. Wait for his first England start Despite his Lions adventures he provides back-row cover for Tom Curry.
Luke Cowan-Dickie The replacement hooker will win his 50th cap if he takes the field against the Wallabies, with Borthwick saluting the milestone.
“Luke is a fierce competitor who gives his all every time he puts on an England shirt,” the England coach said. “Reaching 50 caps is a reflection of his consistency, resilience and commitment to the team over many years. We couldn’t be more proud of his achievement.”
The game against the Wallabies will be followed by further matches at Allianz Stadium against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina, with Borthwick keen to get the autumn off to a strong start.
“Australia have been away for four months, so at first it will be a big challenge for us,” he said. “We have worked hard with the time we have, and the players can’t wait to play in front of a passionate home crowd. This is another opportunity for us to grow as a team.”
The England team will face Australia at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday.
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps)
14. Tom Roebuck (Sail Sharks, 6 caps)
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
11. Emmanuel Fayi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 102 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 23 caps)
1. Finn Baxter (Harlequins, 14 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 102 caps)
3. Joe Hayes (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 93 caps) – Captain
5. Ollie Chasem (Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)
6. Guy Peppers (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 42 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 42 caps)
Replacement:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
17. Ellis Ganz (Bristol Bears, 71 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 50 caps)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 61 caps)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
23. Finn Smith (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)