England beat Australia 25-7 amid ruck dispute and scheduling row

England beat Australia 25-7 at Twickenham on Saturday in a match that was overshadowed before kickoff by a dispute over Australia’s rucking technique and by complaints that the fixture, played outside World Rugby’s international window, left the Wallabies unable to select several England‑based players. England fielded a largely full squad under an agreement with their domestic clubs, while Australia named a side missing key overseas players and later criticised the scheduling and questioning of their tactics.

England coach Steve Borthwick raised clips with match referee Nika Amashukeli in a customary prematch meeting, highlighting what he described as repeated side entries to rucks and clearouts that he said were not being adequately penalised. Borthwick flagged player welfare concerns, saying such entries can expose defending jacklers to hits on unprotected limbs and increase the risk of serious knee and leg injuries. The complaint centred on whether some ruck arrivals breached the laws that require arriving players to be on their feet and to join from behind the hindmost teammate.

Australia captain Harry Wilson rejected the characterisation, saying he doubted the team was...