Aussie rugby stars dazzle in the drizzle in Teddington

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter

11th Nov 2021 | Local News

The Australian rugby team were out in the Teddington drizzle yesterday preparing for their big Autumn Nations match against England at Twickenham this Saturday (13 November).

The Wallabies squad settled into The Lensbury this week after their narrow defeat 15-13 against Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend.

They'll be facing an England team fresh from a 69-3 victory over the Tonga national team, last seen dining at the King's Head in Teddington before the big game!

Coach Dave Rennie put the squad through their paces including their exciting scrum-half Nic White, who has talked about how impressed he is with England's fly-half and Harlequins player Marcus Smith.

White, who has 45 Aussie caps, said: "I played against Marcus Smith up here and he is phenomenal.

"There were a couple of questions about his defence when he was a kid but he has really come of age. When he has the ball in two hands he is dangerous."

The Wallabies have not beaten England since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but Hooper had no fears their poor recent record against Eddie Jones' side would weigh on their minds.

Skipper Michael Hooper said: "We roll now into a six-day turnaround against the English. The record hasn't been great, but a lot of these guys haven't played up here, haven't been a part of those games, so don't feel that sort of stuff. It's a new team, it's a great challenge this week to roll into England."

During previous stays in Teddington, the players have been seen strolling up the High Street and making use of local restaurants but this year the strict Covid rules have restricted their movement.

The match kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday and can be seen on Amazon TV - or watch it in person by booking a ticket HERE