England have named a formidable-looking side, with most of the 13 changes from the Samoa game seeing first-choice players return. Injured captain Zoe Aldcroft is a continued absentee, with Alex Matthews substituting from number eight. Winger Jess Breach will win her 50th cap, as she hunts yet more RWC 2025 tries.
Australia, who know a win, draw or losing bonus point will be enough to secure a quarter-final place, get a huge boost with the return of captain Siokapesi Palu. Absent since early July, the backrower adds real ballast to a side that has continually looked dangerous ball-in-hand. With Pool A rivals USA having played earlier in the day, the Wallaroos will know exactly what they need to do come kick-off.
Kick-off: 17:00 BST, Saturday, 6 September
Venue: Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton and Hove
If you are heading to Brighton and Hove this weekend, make sure you check out England international Emily Robinson's Local Guide, to get all the latest on where to eat and drink and what to do to make the most of your stay.
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England team:
England's key player: Remarkably, Jess Breach is yet to taste defeat in her 49 tests for the Red Roses, giving some indication of the winger's world-class status. Five RWC 2025 tries so far - including her 50th for England - show she is in prime form too.
Australia team:
Australia's key player: It's hard to choose between Desiree Miller and Caitlyn Halse. Both young fliers posted standout performances against USA, looking dangerous every time the ball came their way. With five tries so far, Miller just edges it.
Recent head-to-heads:
WXV1 October 2023: ENG 42-7 AUS
RWC 2021 Quarter-finals: ENG 41-5 AUS
What England said:
England head coach John Mitchell:
"Australia have definitely improved since we last played them, and it will be interesting to see whether they kick or run. Either way, they have to play, which is a great opportunity for us.
"Jess (Breach) has a unique way of playing the game - she only needs a small amount of space and she'll burn you.
"Megan Jones is a brilliant vice-captain, but there are no automatic rights to the captaincy. Just because you're vice-captain doesn’t mean your get the role. Alex (Matthews) is one of the best number eights in the world and she has demonstrated excellence over a long period of time. I love leaders that others can follow and copy through their actions."
England captain Alex Matthews:
"I actually punched him (head coach Mitchell when he told her of her appointment). Nothing really changes - I have been through this before against the USA in Canada, it’s been rehearsed. Although I was taken aback; it’s pretty cool especially in a World Cup. We have a phenomenal leadership group here, I spoke to Abby Dow and told her I wasn’t sure if being captain was really me, but she reassured it is – and that there is enough of
us around to support."
What Australia said:
Australia second-row Kaitlan Leaney:
"It’s really important to focus on the game itself and not get too wrapped up in the result. If you go into a game trying to chase four tries or that win, then you’ll lose it a little. You’ll try pushing out passes and try to create something that isn’t there.
"Playing in the Quins (Harlequins, PWR club) environment really shaped me as the player I am today. I’ve got nothing bad to say about the competition. The best players in the world play there for a reason. It’s competitive week in and week out and you see that growth in all of the international sides. It’s a great programme and I love to be a part of it."
Australia prop Lydia Kavoa, who is making her RWC 2025 debut:
"I’m literally still pinching myself, because one of my key goals was to try and start this World Cup and after last week's game, I didn’t think I’d play. They caught me off guard. It’s a huge honour.
"It’s probably been exactly a year I’ve been in the front row. At first I was like, 'no, I’m back row' because there’s this massive stigma that you’ve gotten slower and you’ve put on weight. I went away and thought about it and she (head coach Jo Yapp) told me, 'I want to take you to a World Cup, but your opportunity will be in the front row' so I said 'OK, when do we start?'."
