To say a big series is looming for both Australia and England is to state the blindingly obvious. The Wallabies are keen to revive their status as heavy hitters in the international game while Eddie Jones is under pressure to demonstrate he still has the golden coaching touch of old. If either side ends up losing 3-0 the inquests threaten to be both lengthy and messy.
Which is what makes this such a potentially revealing three weeks. Even if Jones had not just replaced Owen Farrell as captain and done a selectorial reverse ferret in recalling players such as Billy Vunipola and Danny Care, now would be a fine time for England to deliver. Not since their World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand in 2019 have they registered a real statement win away from Twickenham.
