England hope Ollie Lawrence’s switch to outside centre against Australia will enable the Bath star to bring his ball-carrying power to the fore on Saturday.
The 25-year-old started at inside centre in England’s opening Autumn Nations Series defeat by New Zealand, but has been instrumental in Bath’s rise to the top of the Premiership from 13.
Henry Slade previously started every Test for England this year at outside centre, and his positional switch with Lawrence was Steve Borthwick’s only change for Saturday as he looks to end a three-game winless run.
“I want Ollie to touch the ball in as much space as he can, he is go-forward for us,” England senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth told BBC Sport.
“I want the players to show exactly what they can do and put their best on the pitch.
“The numbers on their back have been interchangeable in some specific transition stuff and how we can get them into the best positions to show off their skills.”
Despite being a kick away from beating the All Blacks, Borthwick’s side only managed one breakaway try through wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
Lawrence only made two carries in the game – the joint-lowest alongside props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart – but he topped England’s tackle stats with 27.
It will be the eighth game in a row both Slade and Lawrence will pair up in England’s midfield and while their shirt numbers are changing, both have previously swapped positions during Test matches.
One standout example came during this year’s Six Nations when Slade set up Lawrence for a vital try against France in Lyon right before half-time.
The decision was not fully down to the coaches after both England centres raised their views to staff on how a shift might help get the best out of their dangerous backline.
“We do it anyway, if it is attack or defence we are always switching about, but there is more emphasis this week in me being in the wider channels and it is something we think we can explore,” added Lawrence.
“Credit to Steve he’s given us the green light to give it a crack.”
