Australia v England LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as England keep series alive with win

Follow all the reaction from Brisbane as England bounce back with victory over the Wallabies

(Getty Images)

Owen Farrell kicked 20 points as England took an imposing early lead and held off a spirited Australia fightback to level the three-match series at 1-1 with a 25-17 victory in Brisbane on Saturday.

An early Billy Vunipola try and four penalties had England 19-0 ahead in the 32nd minute and two more three-pointers from Farrell in the second half proved enough for victory.

Australia, 30-28 winners in the series opener last week, scored tries through prop Taniela Tupou and centre Samu Kerevi either side of halftime but were unable to extend their 10-match winning streak at Lang Park.

The third and deciding test takes place at Sydney Cricket Ground next Saturday.

Follow the reaction with our live blog:

Australia vs England

• England keep the series alive with victory in Brisbane
• Billy Vunipola’s early try and Owen Farrell’s boot take England to glory
• FULL-TIME! Australia 17-25 England
• 67’ - PENALTY! Farrell moves England beyond a score in front (17-25)
• 54’ - SIN-BIN! Smith yellow carded and Wallabies close gap (17-22)
• 49’ - TRY! Kerevi scores on the overlap to narrow the gap (14-22)
• 38’ - TRY! Tupou drives over to get Australia on the board (7-19)
• 32’ - PENALTY! Fourth Farrell penalty of the half extends England’s advantage (0-19)
• 5’ - TRY! Vunipola is mauled over the line for the opening try (0-7)

[9 July 2022 11:25 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-10 England, 13 minutes

Penalty to England. Taniela Tupou was picked out at the scrum, and he’s been spotted cleaning out illegally here, leading with the shoulder at a ruck.

Joy Neville, the TMO, calls down to Andrew Brace, who extends an arm England’s way. The tee will again be called for.

[9 July 2022 11:24 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-10 England, 12 minutes

More joy for England, this time at the scrum, where Australia are ruled to have put weight on early. A free kick is sent upwards, but Marika Koroibete is safely beneath it just outside his own 22.

[9 July 2022 11:23 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-10 England, 11 minutes

Right, what answer do Australia have? Marika Koroibete meanders then darts forward, spotting a half-hole, one well filled by Billy Vunipola before Koroibete can gather more steam.

Nearly an intercept! Nic White finds former Exeter teammate Jonny Hill shooting out of the line in England’s blindside defence, but the lock can’t quite corral the Australian scrum-half’s pass.

[9 July 2022 11:21 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

PENALTY! Australia 0-10 ENGLAND (Owen Farrell penalty, 10 minutes)

Ten minutes, ten points - England firmly on top.

[9 July 2022 11:21 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-7 England, 9 minutes

England are right on it here, though. Maro Itoje wrecks Australia’s mauls and his forward mates pile in for a spot of thievery, ball emerging on the English side. Another penalty to the visitors - this time Owen Farrell will go for goal.

[9 July 2022 11:19 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-7 England, 8 minutes

A bit of a dance on the tightrope from Tom Wright as the Australian wing gets himself in a spot of bother with a bouncing ball near the touchline, just about managing to keep his toes from being marked by the chalk.

Freddie Steward hits him decisively but his teammates infringe, granting Australia an easy clearance.

[9 July 2022 11:18 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-7 England, 7 minutes

It’s been a very, very tidy start to life in the starting side for Jack van Poortvliet, with the Leicester nine notably quick to the ruck so far and boxing well after the restart, landing his clearance just over the line near halfway.

[9 July 2022 11:15 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

TRY! Australia 0-7 ENGLAND (Billy Vunipola try, 5 minutes)

The fast start is capped with a clever, muscular score! It’s canny from England, throwing to a catcher in the middle but shifting the point of emphasis for the drive by Maro Itoje’s swift transfer to the front.

Four English bodies surround Billy Vunipola, who is rapidly sent marching to the line in the warm embrace of a dominant maul. Owen Farrell converts; just about the perfect first five minutes for England.

[9 July 2022 11:15 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-0 England, 4 minutes

Jordan Petaia stays down after colliding with Freeman’s hip as the England debutant flicked the pass away, and after the ball spills free, he is able to be seen to. This doesn’t look nice at all for Petaia, who appears dazed and unsure of his current whereabouts - Australia may well be losing a third full-back in seven days.

Yes, off he goes for at least an assessment. I’d be surprised if he returns. Izaia Perese is on.

England were awarded a penalty for Australia’s involvement in the ball spilling free. In a sign of intent, there is little thought of a shot at goal - prodded into the right corner for a five-metre lineout.

[9 July 2022 11:13 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-0 England, 3 minutes

This is a lively opening from England, their play-makers granted plenty of options as they play flat to the line. Tommy Freeman involves himself nicely far from hthe left wing, and then again, providing linking hands as Owen Farrell looks towards Jack Nowell in space.