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This is the England starting XV Steve Borthwick should pick to beat Australia – all the key selection battles from flying full-backs to race for No10, and what to do with Henry Pollock

Steve Borthwick yesterday named a 36-man squad for England's crunch Nations Championship opener with Australia on Sunday at Twickenham. This is the starting XV he should pick.

By ALEX BYWATER · Daily Mail

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 6:16 PM

Key Things to Know

Alex Bywater makes his case for how England should line up to beat Australia at Twickenham.
The writer advocates starting Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker and using Henry Pollock from the replacements bench.
Jack van Poortvliet is backed to start at scrum-half following injuries to Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Daily Mail Sport's Alex Bywater provides his recommended England starting lineup to face Australia at Twickenham, following Steve Borthwick's 36-man squad announcement. The selection analysis covers pressing issues across the squad, including scrum-half injuries to Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland, and calf concerns surrounding primary fly-half option Fin Smith.

Bywater argues for Jack van Poortvliet to start at scrum-half, with Fin Smith or Marcus Smith at fly-half. In the pack, he advocates playing Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl, while utilizing Henry Pollock as an impact substitute from the bench.

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