England vs Australia LIVE: Rugby result, final score and reaction from 2021 Autumn internationals
Eddie Jones extended his win streak over his native country as England ground down a stubborn Wallabies side
England chalked up an eighth successive victory over Australia on Saturday as tries for Freddie Steward and Jamie Blamire and the pinpoint goalkicking of Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith settled a penalty-ridden game 32-15 for the hosts.
England made most of the running in the first half and scored a superb try through fullback Steward after seven minutes but as both teams conceded a succession of penalties, Farrell and James O’Connor punished each other from the tee to keep it tight at 16-12 at halftime. The ragged, indisciplined nature continued in the second half Australia were hit with two yellow cards in the game - with neither side really threatening the tryline but England still in the ascendancy.
Farrell, winning his 100th cap for England and the Lions, went off injured after landing five penalties and a conversion but Smith added another penalty to stretch the lead before replacement hooker Blamire sent the home fans wild when he galloped in from 60 metres in the final minute.
England have now won all eight of their games against the Wallabies, who conceded 18 penalties, since they lost to them in the pool phase to be knocked out of the 2015 World Cup.
“We stuck at it,” said coach Eddie Jones. “We’ve had a tough week. Two Covid, Kyle Sinckler was injured in the first 10 minutes of the match - he was incapacitated. Australia have been in a bubble since June, so congrats to them for staying in it.”
TRY! ENGLAND 7-3 Australia (Freddie Steward try, 8 minutes)
A delicious delay on the Smith pass and Freddie Steward is cantering in!
England had won the gainline and been afforded quick ball, Smith again roaming behind Owen Farrell at first receiver and drawing two defenders on to him, churning his feet to hold them and waiting just long enough to usher Steward, arriving well, through a great chasm.
He weaves beyond the backfield defenders for the try, converted simply by Farrell.
England 0-3 Australia, 7 minutes
A free kick on the set-up and Ben Youngs goes quickly, Marcus SMith looping around the back and breaking a tackle as Twickenham begins to purr.
He is well held by the next tackler but the spaces open two phases later....
England 0-3 Australia, 6 minutes
Freddie Steward is quite the specimen and all the more impressive when leaping high to claim a hick kick, as he does well with Australian chasers a little close for comfort.
Australia, however, fumble Marcus Smith’s high bomb, Andrew Kellaway misjudging the flight, but a chance to attack inside the Australian half is ended when Smith is dragged down just as he tries to paint something ornate with runners arriving from depth. Back for the Kellaway knock on and a scrum, the first of the evening.
PENALTY! England 0-3 AUSTRALIA (James O’Connor penalty, 4 minutes)
Cleanly struck, and sailing between the uprights. The touch judges’ flags flutter and Australia are on the board early.
England 0-0 Australia, 3 minutes
A first intervention from Jaco Peyper - he’s spotted Bevan Rodd altering his line to block a Wallaby haring after a Nic White box kick. It’s a kickable penalty, 40 metres out and left of centre. James O’Connor is going to have a go...
England 0-0 Australia, 2 minutes
Jonny May is asked to turn and retrieve a well-directed kick but just about gets the better of the resulting game of tennis played with the boot.
England 0-0 Australia, 1 minute
England begin with Henry Slade in the backfield, allowing Manu Tuilagi an early chance to deliver a meaty midfield hit. Smith and Slade are the deepest England players - Tuilagi defending at outside centre.
Kick off
Marcus Smith has the ball in his hands - England will kick-off. Jaco Peyper peeps, Smith hoists high, and the Cook Cup is underway!
Anthems
Time for the anthems, to be delivered by married opera singers - Englishman Rodney Earl Clarke and Australia’s Louise Callinan, who kicks things off with a delightful final vibrato on the closing note of Advance Australia Fair.
Earl Clarke has 80,000 extra voices lending their punch to God Save The Queen
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