George Ford is likely to start at fly-half when England begin their autumn internationals campaign against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. The Sale Sharks No 10 enjoyed an outstanding summer tour with Steve Borthwick's side, helping to orchestrate two victories against Argentina and one against the USA, and appears to have stated a strong case for selection. Fin Smith, whose Northampton side top the Prem table after five rounds, became established as the first-choice fly-half during the Six Nations this year
I'd be very surprised if they didn't, I'd be very surprised if [Wallabies head coach] Joe Schmidt hadn't created something around there. Australia have a very smart way of attacking which can show up' one way, and they've got a few options off it. That's what good attack does. Twelve and 13 is an area you always want to try and target.
Northampton Saints winger Tommy Freeman gave a polite reminder that he remains England's premier winger with four tries to help his side to victory over Saracens. His first followed tries from full-back George Hendy and flanker Tom Pearson but Saints trailed 19-17 at the break as Fergus Burke, Jack Bracken and Juan Martin Gonzalez went over for Saracens. Hugh Tizard extended the lead before Northampton rediscovered themselves and Pearson and Freeman both added their second tries to put the hosts back in front.