Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit is fit for selection and will be considered against Argentina on Sunday, assistant coach Danny Wilson said on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old has made a handful of appearances for the Bristol Bears since his return to rugby after two years in the US trying to break into the NFL. There had been questions around his fitness for Wales' four-match programme this month.

"Yes, he's fit for selection. We are quite fortunate at the moment this squad is fit and healthy. The likes of him and some of the other names available give us a challenge to select the team," Wilson told a press conference.

New coach Steve Tandy is to name the side on Friday with Rees-Zammit in the frame for the clash at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

"There are a few boxes to tick, but he’s moving in the right direction," Wilson added.

Last week, Rees-Zammit said it felt strange to be back training with Wales after switching to American football.

After 32 caps for Wales, and playing for the British & Irish Lions in 2021, he had spells with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, although did not play a competitive game in the NFL before signing for Bristol in August.

"It feels amazing to be back in rugby. I went out there (to the US) and tried it out, but I am really happy to be back," he said.

Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne has had the red card he was shown for a dangerous tackle on New Zealand's Beauden Barrett in last weekend's test in Chicago rescinded by an independent disciplinary committee.

Beirne was initially shown a yellow card for barging into Barrett at close quarters and briefly making contact with the flyhalf's face, but it was upgraded to red on review.

"The disciplinary committee accepted the player's submissions that while an act of foul play had occurred, it did not meet the red card threshold," the committee said in its ruling on Tuesday.

"The 20-minute red card was thus rescinded. As a result, the player is now free to play and available for selection this weekend."

Beirne, 33, is now free to play against Japan in Dublin on Saturday, when Ireland will be looking to get back to winning ways after going down 26-13 to the All Blacks in Chicago.

The All Blacks will be without Jordie Barrett for the remainder of their Northern Hemisphere Tour due to ankle and knee injuries picked up in the win over Ireland last weekend, New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday.

Barrett went off after 16 minutes of New Zealand's 26-13 victory in Chicago on Saturday after hurting his ankle and knee in a tackle when an Irish player fell on him.

The 28-year-old had already been ruled out of Saturday's test against Scotland, along with his brother Scott, also injured against Ireland, but Jordie will now return to New Zealand to begin rehabilitation.

New Zealand will also play England on November 15 and Wales one week later.

Former France lock Paul Willemse says his successor at international level Emmanuel Meafou can become "the bully" the team needs as Les Bleus prepare to host South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Meafou, who weighs an imposing 145kg (319 pounds), is set to make his 10th test appearance in this weekend's highly anticipated re-run of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in Paris.

The highly physical Springboks return to the Stade de France for the first time since going on to lift the Webb Ellis trophy on a fourth occasion two years ago.

Pretoria-born Willemse made the bruising, ball-carrying role his own for France during a five-year test career before having to retire aged just 32 in September due to concussion.

Meafou has inherited his No 5 jersey for Les Bleus and is tipped to make a major impact by the man he replaced.

"The more experience he (Meafou) gets, I'd like to see him becoming the bully and becoming the classic enforcer on the field," Willemse told AFP on Monday.

"I think he has everything he has to get there. I'm really excited to see what he can do in the future."

Willemse represented South Africa's under-20s before moving to France with Grenoble and then Montpellier. He made the last of his 32 France appearances in February 2024 and played his final club game eight months later.

The highlight of his career came when Les Bleus clinched the Grand Slam in 2022 - their first Six Nations title in over a decade.

But he admits he quit at the right moment, when the discussion around brain injuries in rugby is in sharp focus.

- 'Stopped at a good time' -

"I still have some concussion symptoms which are becoming less and less, or improving," Willemse said.

"I've got some problems with my eyes moving side to side or me turning around quickly. I still have some problems with that and then just a normal head pain.

"Dealing with it, it's just more of a confirmation that for me to still have symptoms a year afterwards, it means that I stopped at a good time before having really long-term symptoms."

Since hanging up his boots he has turned his attention to his sports supplement company, bookings as a guest speaker and coaching lineouts at fourth-tier Nimes.

"I'm slowly starting to get some direction going into what I want to do and what I want to become now, because it's really difficult to find a new dream," Willemse said.

"I'm still not convinced about becoming a professional coach because I'm not keen for the lifestyle, in terms of never having a weekend and then also living by a contract.

"And then having the stress of if somebody gets fired it's going to be you first on the chopping block.

"I'm not convinced but I must say I really am enjoying the fact that I go there. It's helped me a lot when I was in a bit of a dark place mentally."

The 2.01m (6ft 7in) former forward will be at the Stade de France on Saturday, at the ground for his first France game since retirement, but his loyalties will not be split.

"The French team, that's my teammates. That's the guys I played with. That's the guys I flipping chased dreams with, shared dreams with and achieved awesome things with them," Willemse said.

"There's no doubt in my mind. I've bled for the jersey. I've sacrificed for the jersey. So the French team is always going to be me."

The Pumas have finalised their 32-man squad for three tests in Britain this month with injured first-choice halfback pair Tomas Albornoz and Gonzalo Garcia among several key players to miss out, the Argentine Rugby Union said.

Also missing are the lock pairing of Franco Molina and Pedro Rubiolo, prop forward Joel Sclavi, flanker Benjamin Grondona and centre Lucio Cinti after an attritional Rugby Championship campaign took its toll.

There is a recall for second-row forward Matias Alemanno, who won the last of his 98 caps for the Pumas against Italy in Udine last November.

Also among the locks is a recall for Efrain Elias, who had his last call-up at the March training camp but has not played any tests this year.

Loosehead Thomas Gallo has recovered from injury and returns along with tighthead Pedro Delgado and flanker Bautista Pedemonte.

Scrumhalf Gonzalo Bertranou and centre Matias Moroni have also won back places after missing out in the Rugby Championship, where the Pumas finished bottom of the table.

The selections follow a training camp in England over the last week. Argentina meet Wales in Cardiff on Sunday and then have tests against Scotland at Murrayfield on November 16 and England at Twickenham a week later.

“We had a very good camp, it’s always great to be able to get together again," said coach Felipe Contepomi. "It helped us to start preparing for the first match against Wales and to refresh and review what happened in the Rugby Championship.

"The November tour presents a huge challenge, which we are really looking forward to because it’s an opportunity to play in three iconic, packed stadiums against three historic rivals."

Squad:

Backs: Gonzalo Bertranou, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, Simon Benitez Cruz, Bautista Delguy, Benjamin Elizalde, Rodrigo Isgro, Juan Cruz Mallia, Ignacio Mendy, Matias Moroni, Agustín Moyano, Justo Piccardo, Geronimo Prisciantelli, Nicolas Roger

Forwards: Matías Alemanno, Pedro Delgado, Efrain Elias, Thomas Gallo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Grondona, Marcos Kremer, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Pablo Matera, Julian Montoya, Joaquin Oviedo, Bautista Pedemonte, Guido Petti, Tomas Rapetti, Ignacio Ruiz, Mayco Vivas, Boris Wenger.

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett and his brother, Jordie Barrett, were on Tuesday ruled out of this weekend's test against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Both players were pulled from the field with injuries during New Zealand's 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago.

Scott Barrett received a cut to his leg three minutes into the match, and required a dozen stitches.

Jordie Barrett suffered a high ankle injury after only 13 minutes and was unable to continue.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Jordie Barrett would have a scan to assess the damage to his ankle, before a potential return was set.

Blues lock Josh Beehre was called in as cover.

Assistant coach Tamati Ellison said Monday the team were "a bit nervous" about the longer term health of inside-centre Jordie Barrett as the All Blacks openly seek to win the grand slam during their tour – beating each of the home nations, Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

"He is tough," Ellison said of Jordie Barrett. "He was wanting to play on, and that probably makes us a wee bit nervous with how tough he is and having to come off. Fingers crossed."

Robertson said he will select the "strongest team possible" considering the injuries.

The All Blacks team to play Scotland will be named on Friday.

Scotland hope the memory of an agonising 2022 loss to New Zealand can inspire them to a first win over the All Blacks in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Rugby union superpower New Zealand have won 30 of the 32 tests between the two countries spanning 117 years, with Scotland's best results in that time against the All Blacks two Murrayfield draws – 0-0 in 1964 and a 25-25 thriller in 1983.

But it looked like Scotland were about to end one of the longest winless streaks in world sport when they led 23-14 going into the last quarter of their most recent meeting three years ago, only for New Zealand to prevail 31-23.

"I think a lot of growth and learning will be around how we stay on track, how we build on leads when we have them like that," Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel said on Monday.

"I suppose the mental toughness side of it – how we can make sure, if we get back in that position with 20 minutes to go on the clock, that we can see it home."

The All Blacks will arrive in Edinburgh following a hard-fought 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago last weekend, with injuries to both Scott and Jordie Barrett set to deprive them of two key players against the Scots.

By contrast, Scotland started their Autumn campaign with an 85-0 rout of the United States, a second-tier rugby nation, at Murrayfield.

"I think there's been a huge stigma with the All Blacks in the past and a lot of teams have built that up," added Dalziel.

"We're really trying to focus on ourselves, on the game and what we build, and that's really been the approach this campaign, so we'll keep it that way."

Rassie Erasmus lauded his team for their physicality, intensity, and the respect they showed Japan as they registered an emphatic 61-7 victory at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, and although the Springbok coach was pleasantly surprised with the result, he said the next few weeks would pose completely different challenges.

The Boks scored eight tries and were awarded a penalty try and limited Japan to only a converted try for their efforts, and while it was a fantastic start to the tour, Erasmus and Bok skipper Siya Kolisi remained grounded after the victory, as they prepare to travel to Paris on Sunday to face France at the Stade de France next Saturday.

“We have to give credit to the whole team,” said Erasmus.

“Some of the players have not played for us in a while, such as Gerhard (Steenekamp), Franco (Mostert), Johan (Grobbelaar), Andre (Esterhuizen) at No 7, and Zachary (Porthen) made his debut.

“And then if one looks at a player like Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) – who scored two tries in the match – he played for us for the SA ‘A’ team (three years ago), and he worked with the coaches on that tour.

“Tonight was a wet game against a Japanese team that we’ve struggled to put away before, and he was physical for a No 10. He kicked well, tackled well, and he’s got the magic feel for the game. So, with him, Manie (Libbok) and Handre (Pollard), we are in a good position with flyhalves.

“Obviously, you can see Sacha is getting more comfortable in the position, but we face France next week and we also have Ireland lined up later on tour, so we always need to make a step up.”

Following the hype surrounding South Africa’s defeat against Japan in Brighton in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the Bok coach remained humbled as said: “We’ll never forget Brighton, and we’ve only beaten them three times and we struggled to put them away in the last two games even in the (2019) RWC quarterfinal, and we know what a good coach Eddie (Jones) is, so I didn’t expect this score.

“But for me, it was more about how the players entered the match with the respect and physicality they showed up with. Everything was not perfect, but I’m pleased with the intensity the players showed.”

Erasmus expected a different kettle of fish when they line up against France next week “We know what it’s like to play France away from home. The passion, intensity, and atmosphere in which you play there is very different.

“I think we have sufficient depth, experience and youth in the team, but it’s a totally different ball game going there.

“It’s a pressure cooker, and it gets to you. We beat them in the (2023) World Cup quarterfinal, but we know how close that match was, so it’s a massive game, and then there’s Ireland ahead as well as Italy and Wales.

“So, although we are building, we need to keep reminding one another about that. We knew what was coming at Eden Park (against New Zealand), and we couldn’t pull it through, so we have to do some intelligent and physical stuff to pull it through next week.”

Kolisi was equally pleased for his team and said the versatility within the group and the support they enjoyed really carried them through at Wembley Stadium.

“It’s good to have versatile players, so the coaches can pick who they want on the day, and that helps a lot if there is an injury in the game, and it enables us to adjust and not panic,” said Kolisi, who opened the scoring with his 14th test try.

Of the passionate support for the men in green and gold at the match, Kolisi said: “It was special to see the people come out in numbers and enjoy the match and even wait around at the end in the rain. We have four more matches on tour, and we need them, so we encourage them to come to the games, and we’d like to thank them for their support tonight.”

A ruthless display as they thrashed the United States 85-0 was a flawless tune-up, but Scotland know they have to make a major step up when they take on New Zealand at Murrayfield next weekend.

Scotland, with a team made up of home-based players only, came close to posting a record score as they ran in 13 unanswered tries against the U.S., but now have a much sterner test against the All Blacks - a team they have never previously beaten.

The two sides have met 32 times, with New Zealand winning 30 matches and two draws in 117 years of fixtures between the countries.

Scotland, however, ran the Kiwis close in the last two meetings when they let slip a nine-point lead at Murrayfield in 2022 before being edged out 31-23. And five years before that, they went down 22-17 in Edinburgh.

"We've had two cracking matches against them, but not delivered that winning performance. All these experiences, today included, have to be put into an 80-minute performance,” Townsend said after the clash with the Americans.

"The players can take confidence from how well they've trained this week. We have to build that cohesion pretty quickly. There's no reason why we can't. The guys will be up for it and have the belief they can do it.

“I can't wait actually,” Townsend added.

“We don't get to play them that often. I think we've only played twice in my time and they were both great occasions, very good games. We know we have to be close to our best to win but that's what we'll be working on in training this week.”

Scotland will be boosted by the availability of players like Blair Kinghorn, Finn Russell, and Ben White, who could not play on Saturday because they are based at clubs in England and France and the game against the U.S. fell outside World Rugby’s window for clubs to release players for international duty.

Saturday's runaway win, in which Darcy Graham and Jamie Dobie both scored a hat-trick of tries, came after a good week of preparation, added Townsend.

"I did feel in terms of how the squad prepared that there's more leadership coming out from our players. The players are driving a lot of what we're doing in training. That will have to happen next week and we'll have to have the players driving a performance in those 80 minutes,” he said.

Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn kicked nine points as Toulouse moved to the summit of the French Top 14 on Saturday with a 29-17 home win over Stade Francais.

Kinghorn contributed three conversions and a penalty as flanker Jack Willis, winger Ange Capuozzo, centre Kalvin Gourgues and back-rower Alexandre Roumat scored tries.

Kinghorn, 28, will hoped to carry on his club form to the international arena when Scotland face New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga later this month, after a much-changed side dispatched the USA 85-0 earlier on Saturday.

Stade Francais are fifth in the table having stunned the Stade Ernest-Wallon crowd having led 10-3 at the break.

Toulouse's second-half revival came after superstar scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who is currently injured, announced on the field at halftime that he had signed a new deal until 2031.

VICTOIRE 🔴⚫️ Le @stadetoulousain s'impose contre le @SFParisRugby !
👤 Votre debrief du match ? Les joueurs qui se sont illustrés ?#STSFP pic.twitter.com/FioqHKZgqT

— RugbyToulouse.com (@RugbyToulouse__) November 1, 2025

Willis crossed just three minutes after the interval with Capuozzo, Gourgues and Roumat's contributions following over the next 34 minutes.

Elsewhere, Fiji centre Sireli Maqala scored his fourth try of the season as Bayonne hammered promoted Montauban 49-7, before the Top 14 takes a break until November 21 due to the Autumn Nations Series.

Toulon flanker Charles Ollivon put his hand up for France selection for the tests against South Africa, Fiji and Australia this month with an influential performance in his club's 54-21 trouncing of Lyon.

Perpignan picked up their first points of the season despite a 27-23 defeat at Pau, earning a defensive bonus point, and ex-All Black fly-half Harry Plummer slotted three penalties as Clermont won 9-7 at Montpellier.

New Zealand recovered from a 10-point deficit to open their bid for an Autumn Nations Series Grand Slam with a hard-fought 26-13 victory over Ireland at Soldier Field on Saturday.

Tries from flanker Ardie Savea, Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi and Cam Roigard clinched a scrappy win as the All Blacks avenged their famous 2016 defeat to Ireland at the same venue.

Ireland's attempt to repeat their Soldier Field triumph of nine years ago was hamstrung just minutes into Saturday's test when lock forward Tadgh Beirne was shown a yellow card following a collision with All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett.

Job done in Chicago 🖤 pic.twitter.com/eqd7M0QTs7

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 1, 2025

That yellow was later upgraded to a red card, leaving Ireland with 14 men for a 20min period.

The Irish, though, shrugged off their numerical disadvantage in a positive opening, with a converted Tadgh Furlong try and a Jack Crowley penalty giving them a 10-0 lead midway through the first half.

Try time in Chicago 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HDUMTwkAkJ

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 1, 2025

New Zealand hit back with a converted try from Savea that left it 10-7 at halftime, and although a Crowley penalty helped Ireland into a 13-7 lead just after the break, New Zealand upped the pace to run in tries from replacements Williams and Sititi before scrum-half Roigard dotted down three minutes from time to seal the win.

Kapa O Pango in Chicago 😤 pic.twitter.com/wskeGLqY8G

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 1, 2025

New Zealand now head to Europe, where they will face test matches against Scotland, England and Wales as they attempt to repeat their 2010 Grand Slam of Britain and Ireland.

Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe continued their personal battle to top Scotland's try-scoring charts as they ran in several scores during an 85-0, 13-try, rout of the United States at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Scotland were without several first-choice players for their Autumn Nations Series opener, including Sione Tuipulotu, Finn Russell, Blair Kinghorn, Zander Fagerson, and Pierre Schoeman.

But they were still far too strong for the United States, a tier two rugby union nation, ahead of next week's far sterner challenge at home to New Zealand, with Scotland yet to beat the All Blacks in 32 matches spanning 117 years of tests between the two countries.

Our biggest-ever win at @MurrayfieldStad 🙌

An incredible start to the #QuilterNS 💪

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 85-0 🇺🇸#AsOne pic.twitter.com/o22RmFcKA0

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 1, 2025

"Straight away, the players were very cohesive which is hard to achieve in a week's training, with a brand new team." Scotland coach Gregor Townsend told the BBC.

Looking ahead to the clash with New Zealand, the former Scotland playmaker added: "It's a huge match. This game has been sold out for a while. Everyone loves watching the All Blacks.

"We've had two cracking matches against them (22-17 and 31-23 home defeats in 2017 and 2022) but not delivered that winning performance.

"There's no reason why we can't (beat New Zealand). The guys will be up for it and have the belief they can do it."

Liam McConnell breakaway appreciation post 🙌

We could watch this all day long 🤩

Watch every #QuilterNS match live on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK 📺#AsOne pic.twitter.com/9SRKSFqPCS

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 1, 2025

South Africa-born Van der Merwe marked his 50th cap with a double to take his Scotland tally to 34 tries, but fellow Edinburgh wing Graham moved level with him as the Dark Blues' highest try-scorer of all time with a hat-trick.

The writing was on the wall for the Eagles as early as the fifth minute when Dylan Richardson went over from close range.

Slicing and dicing 🤌

Duhan swerves through the American defence, passing
onto Kyle Rowe who offloads to George Horne for the
try.

Watch every #QuilterNS match live on @tntsports &@discoveryplusUK 📺#AsOne pic.twitter.com/xkamtxAxg3

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 1, 2025

And two minutes later, 21-year-old debutant back-row Liam McConnell's run up the left was followed by a basketball pass to set up Van der Merwe.

Graham scored Scotland's third try before Van der Merwe grabbed his second of the match, with Scotland 45-0 ahead at halftime in an utterly lopsided contest.

The rout continued after the break, with Graham completing his hat-trick four minutes into the second half after an exchange of passes with Ollie Smith.

England coach Steve Borthwick labelled Henry Pollock a "ball of energy" after the rising star came off the bench to score a match-changing try in a 25-7 win over Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Despite dominating territory and possession, England only led 10-7 at halftime, through a George Ford penalty and Ben Earl's converted try, in their opening match of the Autumnn Nations Series.

Harry Potter's superb solo length-of-the-field intercept score then got Australia back into the match.

But the introduction of Pollock off the bench in the 52nd minute, along with four other British and Irish Lions forwards who helped the combined side triumph 2-1 in Australia in this year, proved decisive as England posted an eighth consecutive win.

The revamped pack got on top of the Wallabies, with England's quest for aerial dominance rewarded when Pollock's try put them 15-7 ahead on the hour mark after the back-row collected a loose ball following a tap-back from a high kick by wing Tom Roebuck.

It was Pollock's third try in just 36 minutes of England rugby after the 20-year-old Northampton loose forward came off the bench to score a double on test debut against Wales in Cardiff in March – a performance that led to his inclusion in the Lions' squad.

Further tries from scrum-half Alex Mitchell and replacement hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, winning his 50th cap, sealed England's victory as they made a successful start to a November campaign also featuring Twickenham encounters with Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.

"I think everybody's excited when Henry Pollock gets on the pitch, what he brings, there's no doubt about that," Borthwick said.

"I think the way he is, he is a ball of energy and I love having that character in the squad."

Turning to the impact made by his 'bomb squad' – the nickname given to world champions South Africa's replacement forwards – the former England captain added: "The bench certainly had a positive impact.

"I think it's a sign that you can see the squad's building in depth."

England, who lost 42-37 at home to Australia last year, could have had the game won at halftime but squandered several chances, with Joe Heyes and Earl held up over the line at a rainswept Twickenham.

"There were a big number of line breaks out there and that was a step forward. Finishing them off was not quite our strength though," said Borthwick.

The Wallabies were missing several first-choice players as their European clubs are not obliged to release them for a match that, although staged outside World Rugby's designated window for November internationals, could have a bearing on the world rankings and the quest to secure a top-six seeding for December's draw for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

 'NO EXCUSES' 

But Australia coach Joe Schmidt said: "I don't want to make excuses, England were very, very good."

The New Zealander, who made eight changes to the side that beat Japan 19-15 in Tokyo last week, added: "If we don't get to six in the world, all we've got to do is just keep building because you can still be a great chance (at the World Cup) and not be six in the world."

Australia's tour continues against Italy, with the Azzurri beating the Wallabies 28-27 when the teams last met in Florence, two years ago.

"Italy will be very tough," said Schmidt. "So many of their players play at the very top level and that's going to be a massive challenge for us.

"We're going to have to dust ourselves off very quickly."

Rising star Henry Pollock came off the bench to score a key try as England began their quest for an unbeaten Autumn Nations Series campaign with a 25-7 win over a lacklustre Australia at a rainswept Twickenham on Saturday.

England, despite dominating territory and possession, led just 10-7 at halftime through a George penalty and Ben Earl's converted try, before Harry Potter's superb solo length-of-the-field intercept score got Australia back into the match.

And it wasn't until the 59th minute of a scrappy encounter that the score changed with back-row replacement Pollock crossing for a third try in two tests for England, following a double off the bench on debut against Wales in Cardiff in March.

Opening our @QuilterNations campaign with a win 🙌#ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/kFlr2QBdcJ

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 1, 2025

The 20-year-old's score left the hosts eight points ahead going into the final quarter before further tries from scrum-half Alex Mitchell and replacement hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie gave England a decisive victory, which sealed England's eighth straight win.

Australia were missing several first-choice players in Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper, James O'Connor and Will Skelton, with their European clubs not obliged to release them for a match staged outside World Rugby's designated window for November internationals.

Too much power from the England pack 💪#ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/5hnPxywiAf

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 1, 2025

England, by contrast, were at full strength thanks to a player-release agreement between their governing Rugby Football Union and the Prem in a match that will still have a bearing on the world rankings and the quest to secure a premium top-six seeding for December's draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

England coach Steve Borthwick started veteran George Ford at fly-half ahead of the benched Fin Smith.

Tommy Freeman, one of six players in England's starting 15 who featured for the British and Irish Lions during their victorious tour of Australia this year, was moved from the wing to outside centre.

What a finish from Alex Mitchell 👏#ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/SwPEIfNTK0

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 1, 2025

Australia coach Joe Schmidt made eight changes to the side that edged Japan 19-15 in Tokyo last week.

The Wallabies, who enjoyed a dramatic 42-37 win at Twickenham last year, gave away an early penalty for a side entry at a ruck – an issue reportedly highlighted by England in their pre-match meeting with referee Nika Amashukeli.

But England, kicking for an attacking line-out and then opting against going for goal from two more ensuing penalties, failed to turn early pressure into points, with prop Joe Heyes held up over Australia's try-line.

England eventually broke the deadlock in the 20th minute through Ford's 35-metre penalty.

And moments later they led 10-0.

Henry Pollock is a special player 🤩

Watch every #QuilterNS match live on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK 📺#ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/Hzk3G0fDvF

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 1, 2025

Mitchell's clearing box-kick was caught by Tom Roebuck, the wing outjumping Australia centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, noted for his skill under the high ball.

Roebuck then found Sam Underhill, with the flanker releasing fellow back-row Earl, who sprinted in between the posts for a try converted by Ford.

 POTTER MAGIC 

Earl almost had a second try on the half hour but was held up over the line thanks to brilliant defensive work by Potter.

Potter turned from try-saver to try-scorer when he picked off England centre Fraser Dingwall's pass near Australia's line and sprinted clear in the 34th minute, with fly-half Tane Edmed landing the conversion.

Borthwick made five changes – all of them Lions – to his pack early in the second half, including a new front row of Ellis Genge, Cowan-Dickie and Will Stuart, with loose forwards Tom Curry and Pollock also coming off the bench.

Pollock made his presence felt when, after Roebuck tapped a high kick back, he collected the loose ball and raced clear. The Northampton back-row was ankle-tapped just short of the line but dived over for a try on the right.

Ford couldn't convert but England were now 15-7 ahead.

England, with their revamped pack increasingly dominant, kicked for an attacking line-out near Australia's line before the sniping Mitchell broke away for another unconverted try.

And five minutes from time, Cowan-Dickie marked his 50th England cap with a try off a driving maul.

England continue their November programme at home to Fiji a week on Saturday, when Australia face Italy in Udine.

England captain Maro Itoje has challenged his side to achieve a clean sweep of four test wins in November as they set out on the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

First up for England are resurgent World Cup hosts Australia at Twickenham on Saturday, with Itoje's men then hosting Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.

The clash with the All Blacks is the stand-out fixture on November 15, but Fiji won on their last visit to Twickenham in 2023, while Argentina have shown they can beat the world's best sides.

"There's not a team we're playing who we can't beat," said Itoje. "We want to go and win all our games. Every player should definitely aspire to that. Our fans should expect us to have the same mindset.

"The All Blacks are always tough. Whenever you get a result against them it's a big deal and that's within our capability. But first we have Australia in front of us and that's our immediate focus."

Itoje was also the captain of the British and Irish Lions side that won 2-1 in Australia this year.

Having led the Lions to a series victory, Itoje's focus is now on global glory with England.

"Particularly for guys at the top, the four-year cycles are split into two and two. You want to be part of the Lions tour and then part of the World Cup," he said.

"As a squad and as individuals, we want to do really well in 2027. But in order for us to do that and have the best chance, we have these really important games in the build-up.

"You don't just rock up to a World Cup and win."

England need no reminding of the threat posed by Australia after Max Jorgensen's last-ditch try sealed a 42-37 win for the Wallabies at Twickenham 12 months ago.

Australia also overturned a 22-point deficit to defeat South Africa at the world champions' Ellis Park fortress in a Rugby Championship match in August.

Recalling the Lions series in Australia, Itoje said: "When you play three games against someone back-to-back you tend to pick up trends and what they're about.

"Australia are a tough team. Their physicality, when you watch it you don't notice it but their players really do look to lay down a marker physically.

"They're a well-coached and well-drilled team. It seems like they have a real clear identity and a vision of how they want to play."

Australia have relished matches in which they were considered underdogs, looking to prove the pundits wrong, said captain Harry Wilson on the eve of Saturday's clash with England.

The Wallabies begin a tough set of November tests at Twickenham, followed by matches against Italy, Ireland and France, and after a series of mixed results are not fancied for success against England.

But they have shown the ability to pull off surprise results, like their shock 38-22 win in Johannesburg over South Africa at the start of this year’s Rugby Championship.

"I don't think there's been many games since I've been as captain where we have been the favourites," Wilson told a press conference on Friday.

"We're always the outsiders, and not many people back us, and as a group we enjoy that.

"For us, we're so internally focused on improving, we believe in ourselves, believe in each other and want to go out there and do the job."

Last year Australia beat England 42-37 at Twickenham after going into the test having lost five of six matches in the 2024 Rugby Championship.

"Last year's game was a big turning point for us as a group, which really made us believe that on our day, we can beat anybody in the world, and been really trying to build on that, and keep improving as a squad," said Wilson.

Ahead of the latest clash in the long sporting rivalry between the two countries, England coach Steve Borthwick said his side were at a disadvantage after only four training sessions together since the Six Nations concluded in March.

"Yeah I guess so," said Wilson. "If they want to put that out there, if it's an excuse for them, but yes, we've had a lot of footy in a row.

"It's been an awesome year, which we've loved, and obviously the continuity's there, because we've been playing a lot, and if we can use that as an advantage, we'll take it."

 

Your 23 Wallabies to take on England.

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— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 30, 2025

 

Ireland coach Andy Farrell says his team's clash with New Zealand in Chicago on Saturday marks the start of the long build-up to the 2027 World Cup as he returns to the helm of the Six Nations giants.

Farrell, who stepped away from Ireland duties in late 2024 to oversee the British & Irish Lions' victorious tour of Australia earlier this year, said Saturday's test at Soldier Field is an opportunity to "reassess" his squad with the World Cup just two years away.

The Irish are facing the All Blacks on US soil nine years after scoring their first every victory over New Zealand in a memorable 40-29 win over the Kiwis at the same venue in 2016.

That win – the first in 111 years of trying – proved to be a watershed moment in the history of Irish rugby, infusing the squad with the belief in their ability to go toe-to-toe with the best side in the world.

Since then Ireland have beaten the All Blacks on four further occasions, notably clinching a 2-1 series victory in New Zealand in 2022.

The All Blacks however have won their last two meetings against the Irish, who suffered an agonising 2023 World Cup quarterfinal loss to the New Zealanders in Paris.

Farrell said Thursday that this weekend's test in Chicago provides him with an opportunity to gauge Ireland's progress midway through the World Cup cycle.

"Many teams are reassessing where they're at, every single season," Farrell said.

"Halfway stage though between World Cup cycles is being talked about.

"There's always a reassessment of where all parts of our game are at and we've certainly done that.

"It's up to us to make sure that we keep kicking on, because staying where we are isn't going to be good enough going forward."

'NEED TO KICK ON'

Farrell, though, says he is relishing the chance to run the rule over his team as 2027 looms on the horizon.

"It's not daunting – it is what it is," Farrell said. "This is where you want to be. This is the challenge that you want in front of your team to see how you react.

"We constantly say big opportunities are there to be taken and if they're not, we've got to understand why and learn from that. So in that regard you can't lose," he added.

Farrell – who described Saturday's game as "the battle of Chicago, round two" – wants to see improvements across the board.

"It's about us all, including myself and all the backroom staff, to keep getting better, keep improving, to keep challenging one another to reassess where our standards lie and how we need to kick on with that," he said.

"Because every team is going to progress over the next couple of years and we need to be at the forefront of that."

New Zealand meanwhile are aiming for a winning start to their latest bid for a Northern Hemisphere Grand Slam over Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.

The All Blacks last completed an autumn series slam in 2010.

Despite winning their two most recent fixtures against the Irish, the All Blacks are wary of another ambush in Chicago.

Hooker Codie Taylor, a veteran of the 2016 defeat in the Windy City, said the All Blacks were determined to avoid a repeat.

Taylor said the All Blacks had suffered off-field distractions nine years ago after arriving as the city celebrated the Chicago Cubs' World Series baseball triumph.

"We probably turned up, got caught up in the lights of the city and went down to an Irish team that was determined to beat us for the first time," Taylor said.

"We reflected on that and this week we've had the opportunity to get out and see some things in Chicago and now test week has rolled around and there is a sense of intensity with the preparation."

Wallaby boss Joe Schmidt has insisted Tane Edmed needs time to develop as the fly-half prepares to face England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Edmed, who featured in Australia's unconvincing 19-15 win over Japan in Tokyo last weekend, has kept his place after Carter Gordon's long-awaited return to test rugby union was again put on hold by injury.

Gordon, the eight-cap fly-half who played at the last Rugby World Cup for the Wallabies before leaving the 15-a-side code to join rugby league side Gold Coast Titans, has secured a release from his NRL deal to join Australia's tour.

But he remains sidelined by a quad problem, with Edmed, 25, winning his sixth cap this weekend.

"All we can do is keep investing in the people we've got and I think if any of the people in the room had the opportunity to have a chat with Tane they'd see what a quality young man he is and how hard he's working at his craft," said Schmidt after naming his side on Thursday.

But Schmidt who worked with outstanding fly-halves Jonathan Sexton and Beauden Barrett while member of his native New Zealand's backroom staff, added: "You don't turn up in your fourth test match and start running the game like you do when you've had 50 tests.

"You learn from experiences and that allows you to get better – and getting better is never linear either. There are going to be tough moments for Tane and we know that and there's going to be some really good moments."

By contrast, England will have George Ford at fly-half after the 102-cap veteran kept the No 10 shirt ahead of Fin Smith, on the bench this weekend, and playmaker Marcus Smith, omitted from Steve Borthwick's matchday 23 entirely.

Ford is renowned for his kicking game but Schmidt denied he was a conservative pick.

"George Ford has one of the best passing games in world rugby," he said. "A lot of people focus on his kicking game, but (not) his passing game and he’s got good acceleration. So he is a genuine triple threat."

Australia's hopes of recording back-to-back wins against England at Twickenham for the first time in 16 years have been hampered by an inability to select English-based players such as Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper and James O’Connor, with Prem clubs not obliged to release overseas stars for a match taking place outside World Rugby's official window for the Autumn Nations Series.

England, by contrast, are at full strength thanks to a player-release agreement between their governing Rugby Football Union and the Prem.

That has led to suggestions the Wallabies' face an unfair handicap in their bid to climb the global rankings (they are currently seventh) and secure a premium top-six seeding for December's draw for their home 2027 Rugby World Cup.

'SHUFFLE YOUR CARDS'

But Schmidt, who has made eight changes to the starting 15 that beat Japan, said similar restrictions applied last year when Australia defeated England 42-37 thanks to Max Jorgensen's last-gasp try in a match where high-profile rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii made an impressive debut.

"You often get dealt a set of cards," explained Schmidt, who still has Jorgensen and Suaalii, along with returning regular captain and back-row Harry Wilson, in his team. "If those cards aren't available, you shuffle what you've got and try to put out your best hand."

England coach Borthwick has selected a back division primed for the high-ball contest that is now such a big part of modern rugby union, with Tommy Freeman, who featured for the British and Irish Lions during their 2-1 series win in Australia, moved to outside centre from the wing.

"So it does appear to us that there is a bit of a menacing aerial threat," said Schmidt, who will look to Suaalii to combat that challenge.

For England, on a run of seven straight victories, Freeman's selection at outside centre is a sign of how they want to both focus on the present and plan for the future.

"I want us to win the World Cup but I also want us to win now," said Borthwick, whose predecessor Eddie Jones was criticised for pinning all his hopes on the 2023 edition. "I am not trying to make a differentiation."

New Zealand coach Scott Robertson on Thursday made three changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's Autumn Nations Series clash with Ireland at Chicago.

Beauden Barrett, who missed the All Blacks' 28-14 Rugby Championship victory over Australia in Perth earlier this month, returns at flyhalf in place of Damian McKenzie.

Caleb Clarke comes in on the left wing in favour of Leicester Fainga'anuku while loosehead prop Ethan de Groot returns in the front row with Tamaiti Williams dropping to the bench.

Saturday's clash at Soldier Field comes almost nine years to the day after Ireland scored their first ever victory over New Zealand at the same venue in 2016.

Robertson, whose team will also play Scotland, England and Wales on their Northern Hemisphere tour, said his team has prepared well since arriving in Chicago.

"This is an awesome match to kick off our Northern Tour with," Robertson said.

"Ireland are a strong side and will have a loud contingent of supporters here in Chicago, so we are prepared for a passionate clash.

"We have had a great week together leading up to the test and now we are looking forward to the contest on Saturday afternoon."

23-man roster for Saturday 😤 pic.twitter.com/oYoAMPKDI5

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 30, 2025

New Zealand team (15-1)

Will Jordan; Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Ardie Savea, Simon Parker; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett; Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Damian McKenzie

Joe Schmidt has warned Australia will face a "triple threat" in England flyhalf George Ford at Twickenham on Saturday.

Ford, renowned for his kicking game, has been selected ahead of rival No 10s Fin Smith, on the bench this weekend, and Marcus Smith, who was not included at all in the matchday 23.

Ford, a veteran of 102 tests for England, will continue in the No 10 shirt he wore throughout the team's recent tour of Argentina and the United States.

Fin Smith, who was first choice during the Six Nations, missed that tour as he was involved in the British and Irish Lions' 2-1 series win in Australia.

Harlequins flyhalf Marcus Smith, known for his attacking flair, was also a member of the Lions squad.

But Australia coach Schmidt said on Thursday after naming the Wallabies' team for this weekend's Autumn Nations series international that "Ford has one of the best passing games in world rugby.

"A lot of people focus on his kicking game but his passing game, he's got good acceleration (too). So he is a genuine triple threat."

The back-line selected by England coach Steve Borthwick appears primed for the high-ball contest that is now such a big part of modern rugby union, with Tommy Freeman, who also featured for the Lions, moved to midfield from the wing.

"Obviously, (fullback) Freddie Stewart is very good in the air and Tommy Freeman we've had a good close look at during the Lions tour," said Schmidt.

"So it does appear to us that there is a bit of a menacing aerial threat and I suppose the best we can do is to rehearse it during this week," added Schmidt.

He has made eight changes to the side that beat Japan 19-15 in Tokyo last weekend, with backs Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen among those recalled to the starting 15.

'INSPIRATIONAL’ TWICKENHAM

Saturday's match is set to Schmidt's last game in charge of Australia at Twickenham, with the 60-year-old New Zealander standing down as Wallaby boss in August 2026 for family reasons.

The former Leinster and Ireland coach has enjoyed plenty of success at Twickenham, including Australia's 42-37 comeback win last year sealed by Jorgensen's last-gasp try.

"Twickenham is an unbelievably inspirational ground," said Schmidt.

"I've been really privileged to have some great days at Twickenham. Heineken (European) Cup wins, final wins, Grand Slam wins in the game last year, for example.

"Those days, you can't buy those days. I'm only on the periphery, but it's a nice little peripheral vision that you have of players just stepping beyond what they thought was possible in some of those events.

"I love the stadium. I love the way the support is there. Even on the bus on the way in, the one thing I would say is that they're a real rugby crowd.

"I won't mention any stadium, but sometimes you turn up and there's booing and there's sign language and things. Twickenham's just not like that. It's a festival, almost, until you actually get on the field and then you're made to feel very uncomfortable."

Borthwick has repeatedly stressed how England have had just four training sessions in the build-up to Saturday's match, whereas Australia have been together since the Lions series started in July.

"We've had two sessions actually (since Japan) so at least he's had four," said Schmidt. "We've just come from Japan, we've made 13 changes I think cohesion-wise and I think also in terms of probably fatigue, we've done a lot of travel.

"I think we have 15 test matches across 20 weeks in eight countries in 10 different time zones so you know I'd be happy to swap that for four trainings to be honest."