:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/xlmedia/XX2JWFWFGBBO5AM5BXVOBLMDDE.jpg)
Australia’s last home series against England in 2016 ended in a 3-0 whitewash, and the Wallabies are now on an eight-match losing streak against their rivals.
And that streak could continue in Perth on Saturday morning as Australia host England in the first test of a three-match series.
Both teams go into this opening game in poor form, and injuries have hindered the Wallabies, so much so that Cadeyrn Neville will earn his first cap at the age of 33 - becoming the third-oldest Wallabies debutant in over 75 years.
Eddie Jones has been in charge of England for their eight-match-winning run over his home country, but his side have underwhelmed this season - however, Jones and England seem to be at their deadliest when their backs are against the wall.
Since the beginning of 2021, England have won three of their four games when pitched as pre-match outsiders, and they look a value bet against the Wallabies in this one at 5/4 with bet365.
Australia v England
England look good value to get off to a winning start down under
At 5/4 a £10 bet would return £22.50
Australia v England
July 02, 2022
10:55 am BST
Smith could catch Australia cold
Getting an early try appears to be essential for England - since the start of last season, they have won the match on all seven occasions that they have scored the opening try.
Much of England’s chances will depend on how Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell operate at fly-half and inside centre. Smith is developing into one of the best 10s on the planet, and on his first overseas tour with England, he’ll be looking to put in a dominant display.
He’s bagged a try in three matches for his county in 2021, so at 18/1 with bet365, he’s worth a small nibble to bag the opening try in this clash.
Australia v England
England's fly-half looks overpriced to grab the opening try in Perth
At 18/1 a £10 bet would return £190
Australia v England
July 02, 2022
10:55 am BST
* Betting odds correct at time of writing. Subject to changes.