England boss Steve Borthwick says his squad is squeezing every minute out of a short prep window before facing a more match-hardened Australia.
For rugby fans across South Africa and the continent who watch the northern-versus-southern hemisphere tussle closely, England's build-up to their Test with Australia is a storyline worth tracking. Steve Borthwick's side are up against the clock, and the England head coach is open about it.
Borthwick says his players have worked to make the most of the limited preparation time available. With so little runway, every training session, meeting and review has to count as England look to be ready for the occasion.
The challenge is sharpened by who is waiting on the other side. Australia arrive as a comparatively battle-hardened outfit, with more recent competitive rugby behind them, which can bring sharpness and cohesion that is hard to replicate on the training pitch.
That contrast frames the Test. England must turn a compressed week into clarity and cohesion fast, while the Wallabies look to lean on their match rhythm. How quickly Borthwick's group clicks could decide how this one plays out.
