England vs Australia: Second-half rally sees hosts to victory at Twickenham
Re-live all the action
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England swept aside Australia 37-18 to claim a sixth successive victory over the Wallabies and complete a successful autumn series at Twickenham marred only by a controversial defeat to New Zealand.
The old enemies were deadlocked at 13-13 entering half-time but blistering tries from Elliot Daly and Joe Cokanasiga opened up daylight before the win became a rout when Owen Farrell touched down in the closing stages.
Apart from losing their way in the second quarter, England dominated the Cook Cup showdown with man of the match Kyle Sinckler, Jonny May and Cokanasiga outstanding.
Victory was secured against one of the poorest Wallaby teams seen at Twickenham in recent years, the tourists enfeebled by the loss of David Pocock to a neck injury and tumultuous build up due to senior players Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper being disciplined for bringing women back to their hotel rooms.
Among the biggest roars of the afternoon was reserved for Manu Tuilagi, who finally made his first Test appearance for two years as a final-quarter replacement having overcome a groin strain.
Re-live the action below:
What a half of rugby it's been. England came out of the blocks fastest and were quick to assert their authority, taking a 7-0 lead after just three minutes. But the visitors got themselves together, ironed out the inconsistencies that characterised their earlier play and soon had England on the back foot.
Haylett-Petty's disallowed try was the warning sign but it went unheeded. Not long after, Eddie Jones' side saw themselves cut open by a devastating passage of play that culminated in a Folau try. It was a curt reminder of what this Australia side is capable of when firing on all cylinders. The Wallabies ended the half with a deserved penalty and head into the break on top. A difficult 40 minutes of rugby now follows for Jones and his men.
Sir Clive Woodward has said that England should have been awarded a penalty try for Owen Farrell's tackle on Izack Rodda in the dying minutes of the first half. With the Aussie lock bearing down on the try-line, the England fly-half practically threw himself at the forward in an attempt to stop him. He made no attempts to wrap his arms and was subsequently sent flying backwards, but it was enough to bring Rodda down and prevent an Australian try.
I imagine Cheika will have something to say about that afterwards if his side doesn't win today.
The players are back on the pitch. The second half is seconds away!
Australia substitution: Jack Maddocks has been replaced by Sefa Naivalu.
Kick-off!
To'omua sends it long and we're back under way here at Twickenham!
41 min: An altercation breaks out and it looks like it's Kyle Sinckler who was at fault. After a word from the ref, order is restored.
England 20-13 Australia (Daly try, Farrell conversion, 45 min)
Just what the doctor ordered. It was Sinckler who kicked off proceedings, taking the ball into contact which must have sucked in at least three Aussie players. From there, play went left before Farrell found himself similarly overwhelmed by yellow shirts. However, he managed to make the offload to Daly who, from deep, had come charging forward to slice open Australia's defence in two. From there, he weaved his way from left to right and eventually dived over in the left-hand corner. Farrell converts.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments