Ollie Lawrence is relishing the prospect of confronting Australia debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii when England face the Wallabies at Twickenham on Saturday.
England centre Lawrence will line up opposite rival midfielder Suaalii just weeks after the 21-year-old switched to union from Australian rugby league side Sydney Roosters.
The struggling Wallabies hope the arrival of Suaali can spark a revival in their on-field fortunes ahead of next year's showpiece series at home to the British and Irish Lions.
A golden opportunity awaits at Twickenham 🏟#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/PFJaz2kzqZ
— Wallabies (@wallabies) November 8, 2024
But the opening match of Australia's tour of Britain will be former schoolboy star Suaalii's first senior professional game of rugby union.
"It's obviously difficult because he's just switched codes and so we've been looking at the league side of things," said Bath centre Lawrence.
"I've seen a lot of his footy over the years and he's been an incredible player in league.
"If you just look at his stature, he's a big lad at 6ft 5ins (1.96 metres) and he's quick, so you know you have to take time and space away from him as quickly as possible.
"There's definitely a bit of the unknown about him and we don't know how he will step up, but I'm excited to go up against world-class players.
"Like we do for every opposition, we look at their strengths and weakness and look where we can go after them."
England defence coach Joe El-Abd added: "We've looked at the footage and know he's a physical player.... We can see what a talent he is. (Australia coach) Joe Schmidt believes he is ready to start this test match.
"We know we need to be alive and bring our game to him and to Australia."
England head into the match following an agonising 24-22 loss to New Zealand at Twickenham last weekend.
The latest encounter was especially dispiriting for Lawrence, a dynamic runner for Bath, given he carred the ball just twice, and not once after the 11th minute.
"It was frustrating not getting my hands on the ball against New Zealand," said the 25-year-old. "From me personally, there is an expectation to help the team go forward with the ball."
The game was another example of England letting slip a lead in the closing stages against one of the world's best teams.
"We should have seen the game out against New Zealand so there's an element of disappointment," said Lawrence.
"We're growing and want to be one of those championship teams. Championship teams finish off games, it's quite simple really."