England’s Marcus Smith looks dejected following the team’s defeat.Credit: Getty Images
The Wallabies led 20-18 after rallying well from a poor start and a 15-3 lead by the 20th minute.
A poor exit kick from Australia saw England score a try on the four-minute mark, which was finished with numbers on the right by flanker Chandler Cunningham-South – set up by a neat grubber through the line by Marcus Smith. The Wallabies’ backfield were too deep and Anthony Watson re-gathered and gave the hosts irresistible momentum.
Noah Lolesio grabbed a penalty goal soon after but Cunningham-South scored a second try in the 11th minute after the Wallabies again failed to exit their red zone, and were punished. A simple tap from Ellis Genge five metres out was all it took, and Cunningham-South couldn’t be stopped when he took a pass.
Angus Bell on the charge at Twickenham.Credit: AP
The Wallabies’ panicky play and failure to win contact was costing them possession and territory, and Smith extended the England lead with a 19th minute penalty.
But the Wallabies finally began to hold onto the ball, and Suaalii wasted little time introducing himself to the world by laying on the Australian’s first try. Following strong carrying from Angus Bell and Rob Valetini, the Wallabies began stressing the England wide defence and an outstep from Suaalii managed to draw two men, before he popped a basketball pass to Tom Wright for an unchecked run to the line.
oseph-Aukuso Suaalii runs with the ball past Ollie Sleightholme of England.Credit: Getty Images
Smith drew back a penalty straight away with Aussie errors from the re-start, but the Wallabies kept their foot on the pedal and continued to build pressure with strong carry-recycle work.
A blood bin for Jake Gordon brought Tate McDermott on the field and his darting from the ruck began to find gaps. He surged through one in the 33rd minute and found skipper Harry Wilson in support to score a second try.
Lolesio’s extras were added and he kicked a penalty right on halftime to take the lead.
The Wallabies kept up their dominance in the second half, and a smart short lineout led to a third try. More strong carries had the England defence backpeddling and saw Jeremy Williams charge to the corner and dive and score. The TMO reviewed a foot on the sideline but it was cleared.
When Lolesio nailed another penalty in the 52nd minute, the Wallabies led 28-18, and linebreaks kept coming.
But England weren’t done yet. Turning down a penalty, England scored a try to Sleightholme in the 56th minute following another lovely grubber from Smith.
Australia had more opportunities to score with sharp offloading but referee Ben O’Keeffe found several penalties to shut the play down.
England pledged to be brave in attack in the last quarter and a quick lineout led to Smith sparking another try in the 67th minute, when space was found on the left edge for Sleightholme to score again. Smith nailed the conversion to take the lead with 11 minutes left on the clock.
There was still plenty of time for a thrilling finish to unfold.
Andrew Kellaway looked to have snatched a win when he swooped on a loose ball and ran 50 metres to score in the 74th minute. But Itoje barged over to seemingly secure the win.
The Wallabies had more to say, however.
