England vs Australia: Will Ollie Lawrence switch to 13 to help Steve Borthwick’s attack?

England will hope Ollie Lawrence’s move to outside center against Australia will allow the Bath star to bring his ball-carrying strength to the fore on Saturday.

The 25-year-old started at center in England’s opening Autumn Nations Series defeat to New Zealand but played a huge role in Bath’s rise from 13th to the top of the Premier League.

Henry Slade previously started every Test for England at outside center this year, and his position switch with Lawrence was Steve Borthwick’s only change for Saturday as he looks to end a three-match run.

“I want Ollie to touch the ball in as much space as possible, he’s an advantage for us,” England senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth told BBC Sport.

“I want the players to show exactly what they can do and do their best on the field.

“The numbers on their backs are interchangeable in some specific transition things and how we can get them in the best positions to show off their skills.”

Despite being just a kick away from beating the All Blacks, Borthwick’s side managed just one breakaway attempt through wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

Lawrence made just two carries in the match – the joint lowest alongside props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart – but he topped the England tackle stats with 27.

It will be the eighth match in a row that Slade and Lawrence have played together in the England midfield and although their squad numbers will change, both have previously swapped positions during Test matches.

A notable example came during this year’s Six Nations, when Slade set up Lawrence for a crucial try against France in Lyon just before half-time.

The decision was not entirely up to the coaches, after both England centers expressed their views to the staff on how a shift could help get the best out of their dangerous backline.

“We do it anyway, if it’s attack or defense we always alternate, but this week there’s more emphasis on me being in the wider channels and it’s something we think we can explore,” added Lawrence added.

“Thanks to Steve, he gave us the green light to take a shot at it.”