Freddie Steward injury update - Steve Borthwick provides latest

The Leicester Tigers man sustained an unspecified hand injury towards the end of this evening's Autumn Nations Series match against Australia, however Steward was not withdrawn from play despite being in some discomfort in the closing stages of the match.

Borthwick selected Steward to start in the 15 shirt following a tremendous return to form in the Summer, as the Tigers man hit his stride across England's Summer tour of Argentina and the United States. Steward was selected to reinforce an expected kick-heavy contest against Joe Schmidt's Wallabies, with plenty of aerial contests witnessed under the lights of the Allianz Stadium.

In the post-match press conference at the home of English Rugby, Borthwick was asked about the current state of Steward's injury, and whether he had considered plans to unleash Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell or Cadan Murley in next weekend's match against Fiji. Borthwick gave no indication upon his plans for next week, with the need for a full injury assesment required before evaluating his plans for the 15 jersey.

"Yeah, we'll have to look at that. I've not received any medical reports, so I don't know the extent of the knock that Fred took there. Obviously with his hand, I'll make that assessment once I know the full extent of that.

"I thought Fred did really well today. It's interesting, Australia's tactics effectively, middle of the pitch there, just straight away going contestable, off nine generally, and I thought Fred, in difficult conditions, I thought Fred did really well."

Today's victory over Australia marks the eighth consecutive win in a row for Steve Borthwick's side, with England putting right their arduous Autumn Series defeat to the Wallabies from last year. The 25-7 win was a solid statement of intent from England, with upcoming Autumn Tests lined-up against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina set to determine their World Rugby ranking ahead of December's 2027 Rugby World Cup draw.

ngland have now won eight consecutive Tests, a run stretching back to their opening Six Nations defeat in Ireland.

With Pollock seemingly destined to start, RUCK looks at three changes Steve Borthwick could make.

A defensive workhorse whose energy and grit are unquestionable, Underhill’s eagerness cost England at a key moment, allowing Rob Valetini through a gap. While he redeemed himself with a crucial turnover, the emergence of Henry Pollock – who combines pace, power, and scoring threat – makes Underhill the natural candidate to make way.

Planet Rugby 6/10: "Didn’t put a foot wrong in a gritty effort. Just rolled up his sleeves and went looking for work."

Mail Online 6.5/10: "Won England the penalty from which Ford gave them the lead with trademark breakdown work and nice link play to Ben Earl who scored. Bloodied from battle."

Rugby Pass 7/10:
"On Roebuck’s shoulder to put Earl in for the opening try of the match. Defensively resolute as ever, but his eagerness did result in letting Rob Valetini coast through a gap at one stage. He made amends a few phases later with a penalty won in his own 22, clasping onto the ball despite an Australian’s attempt to clear him out."

Telegraph 6/10: "Left bloodied but exacted his revenge with some crunching hits. However, the balance of the back row never felt quite right."

Rugby Pass 8.5/10:
"Who else to score England’s second try? Pollock loves the big stage, and he came up with the goods when England were in a bit of a rut in the second half. Produced some strong carries in his second England appearance, showing he is a handy option at No.8, and even added a penalty over the ball in Australia’s 22. Made a strong case to start, although he was yellow-carded at the death."

Guardian:
"Pollock, still only 20, looks destined to score plenty more tries on this famous old stretch of grass and clearly relishes the big occasion."

RUCK:
"Back in England colours with bright blonde hair and big impact. Scored his third Test try after recovering from a tap tackle and dotting down with style. Energetic and effective in defence too."

England’s experienced playmaker delivered tidy passing and tactical kicking but struggled to influence the game when it mattered most. Missed conversions and a growing anonymity after Australia’s intercept try highlighted his limitations. Marcus Smith’s creativity and unpredictability offer a spark that England need in high-pressure moments.

Rugby Pass 6/10:
"Given the playmaking responsibilities today and he repaid Borthwick’s faith early on. Dictated play with his boot, be it with bombs, cross-kicks or identifying space in the first half. Following Australia’s intercepted try, England lost control of the game, and Ford grew increasingly anonymous. 50 per cent from the tee is not ideal either."

"There was always going to be a spotlight on his performance, given the hype around the number 10 jersey right now, but he did a good job. Kicked very well around the park, using the likes of Roebuck to get England in-behind the Wallabies defence, and helped his side play in the right areas. Will be slightly miffed at his goal-kicking, given he’s usually metronomic off the tee."

Telegraph 6/10:
"Some of his passing was delicious but didn’t truly grab the game by the scruff of the neck and missed two conversions. The fly-half debate will continue to rage."

Replacement – Marcus Smith:
Brings creativity, quick thinking, and unpredictability to England’s attack. Could spark momentum in moments where Ford went quiet.

A solid, dependable presence in midfield, Dingwall’s defensive work was strong, but one costly loose pass led directly to an Australian try. Despite his reliability, England may benefit from Ollie Lawrence’s direct running and attacking threat, giving the team more momentum and line-breaking potential.

RUCK 6.5/10:
"The “glue” of the Saints midfield partnership, Dingwall helped clubmate Freeman settle into his new role. Unfortunately threw the loose pass that led to Harry Potter’s intercept try. Took a few heavy hits, including a big collision with Tane Edmed. Not his flashiest Twickenham outing, but a solid and grounded effort aside from one costly mistake."

Planet Rugby 6/10: "Will be really disappointed with the interception, but was pleasing to see him always make the positive choice ball-in-hand."

Mail Online 4.5/10: "His pass was intercepted by Harry Potter who raced away to score for Australia at a time when the Wallabies were offering nothing as an attacking force. The pass wasn't on."

Telegraph 5/10:
"The glue player came unstuck with his horrible intercept which allowed Australia back in the game. A shame because otherwise he barely put a foot wrong."

Rugby Pass 6/10:
"Fine margins in Test rugby, and what could have been an assist to Steward from Dingwall resulted in a length-of-the-field interception from Harry Potter. So much to like about Dingwall’s defensive work – pressurising the Australian attackers at times, and drifting to protect the wider channels. Would frequently plug any gaps in the defensive line as well. Going forward, he gets his hands on the ball a lot, but didn’t challenge the Wallabies enough."

Replacement – Ollie Lawrence:
More direct ball-carrying, more line-breaking threat, and a more dynamic presence in midfield. Could inject extra pace and unpredictability against Australia.

The England team were dubbed ‘Dad’s Army’ by the rest of the world (mainly Australians) but everyone secretly knew England coach Clive Woodward had the best side around.

This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.

Some of these are significantly easier than others.