Former Australia captain George Gregan believes his countrymen will look to test Tommy Freeman’s defensive mettle when England open their Autumn Internationals campaign at Twickenham on Saturday. England begin their series against opponents who snatched a dramatic late victory over them last year, and head coach Steve Borthwick has made several eye-catching selection decisions.
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At fly-half, George Ford gets the nod ahead of Fin Smith, while Ford’s Sale Sharks teammate Tom Roebuck starts on the wing. Most intriguingly, Freeman has been handed the No. 13 jersey, moving from his usual position out wide to fill the outside-centre role for just the second time at Test level.
Freeman’s selection comes on the back of a sparkling performance for Northampton Saints, where he scored four tries wearing the No. 14 shirt in their recent win over Saracens. However, defending at outside centre is a different challenge entirely, something Gregan believes Australia will look to exploit.
They’ll definitely target him. That’s nothing new, said Gregan. They’re going to ask him some questions. I’d be very surprised if they didn’t, and I’d be very surprised if Joe Schmidt hadn’t built something around that area. Gregan suggested that Australia’s attacking play is designed to expose even the smallest weakness.
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Autumn Internationals 2025: Gregan Highlights Defensive Demands of Outside Centre Role
That’s what top-class attack is all about. The 12 and 13 channels are always an area you want to challenge, and if you can create doubt there, it ripples both inside and outside. With the Autumn Internationals 2025 bringing heightened scrutiny and tactical intensity, Gregan stressed that England’s midfield will need to be especially sharp defensively to handle Australia’s movement and deception.
Gregan, who captained Australia at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, played in the 2001 British & Irish Lions series win. And earned 139 international caps, knows better than most the demands of Test rugby defence. The former scrum-half described the No. 13 position as one of the toughest on the field. It’s probably the hardest defensive position in rugby, he explained.
You’ve got to link perfectly with your inside man, make quick reads, and commit to your decisions. In the modern game, if you get that wrong, you’re exposed. Gregan also offered support for Marcus Smith, who has been left out of England’s matchday 23 this weekend, predicting that the Harlequins playmaker will still play a significant role in England’s long-term plans.
Borthwick rotates between Ford, Fin Smith, and Marcus Smith at fly-half in the build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Last season, Marcus Smith shifted to full-back to accommodate Fin Smith at No 10. But this time Freddie Steward reclaims the No 15 shirt. Gregan, however, downplayed any suggestion that Smith’s omission is a demotion.
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England Vs Australia: Marcus Smith Still Key to England’s Future Plans
Marcus Smith hasn’t been axed, Gregan insisted. I’m a huge admirer of his. He’s a brilliant player, he’s got creativity, pace, and the confidence to back himself, which he’s always had in abundance. England is fortunate to have so many quality options there.
They has real firepower with those players, he said. How they decide to use it each week is up to them. But competition drives standards, and that’s what every great team needs. Gregan also praised Noah Caluori, whose aerial prowess has caught his eye. He reminds me of an AFL player, he joked. He might end up leaving this country and signing for Collingwood.
In addition, the Australian great highlighted the growing reputation of Freeman’s Northampton teammate Henry Pollock. Who has been named on the England bench for the Twickenham clash. His debut against Wales during the last Six Nations was outstanding, said Gregan. I’d heard a lot of positive things about him from people I really respect, and then you watch him play, and he’s everywhere. He’s only going to keep improving.
Gregan added that Pollock’s inclusion reflects England’s commitment to nurturing young, dynamic talent ahead of the England Vs Australia showdown. He described Andy Farrell’s decision to involve the flanker in the Lions setup as an inspired one. Saying Pollock possesses enormous potential and that exposure at this level will only accelerate his development.
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