England's mounting errors are proving costly, with South Africa looming on the horizon. Steve Borthwick referred to this squad as a "young, developing" team following their defeat to Australia, but the reality is more complex. As winter approaches, the chill is palpable at Twickenham. This past week, England missed a last-minute kick, but it ultimately had no bearing on the outcome. Despite Marcus Smith remaining on the field, the issues persisted. England faced yet another loss, this time to an Australian side ranked ninth in the world, which had struggled with five defeats in their last six matches prior to this encounter. This defeat stings even more considering England had established a 12-point lead at the end of the first quarter and held a two-point advantage at the end of the fourth quarter.

England must convert potential into points in crucial showdown with Australia As both teams prepare for a significant clash, the stakes are high for England and Australia. A decisive victory over the Wallabies could signal a turning point for the home side, instilling confidence after a series of disappointing results. Conversely, if Australia manages to secure their first win in south-west London since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, it could cast a shadow over England's prospects. England has struggled recently, suffering five losses in their last seven international matches, dating back to their defeat at Murrayfield in February. With the current world champions set to visit Twickenham next week, followed by a brief encounter with Eddie Jones’s Japan, England faces a challenging start to next year’s Six Nations championship, where they will take on Ireland and France in the opening rounds. This upcoming match against Australia is not just another game; it could define the trajectory of both teams' seasons. For England, it’s an opportunity to regain momentum and belief, while for the Wallabies, it’s a chance to build morale ahead of their upcoming Lions tour. The outcome will undoubtedly have lasting implications for both sides.