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 11:12 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-0 England, 2 minutes

The two sides trade handling errors, and then exchange kicks, Jordan Petaia’s first involvement from full-back to claim a high hoist under little pressure, securely calling for a mark from the safety of his own 22.

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

Australia 0-0 England, 1 minute

What a start from Ellis Genge! England’s first attack is fast, organised, and clever, Ellis Genge launched from wider by Marcus Smith picking his runners at the line and putting Michael Hooper decisively on his backside with a meaty carry. He offloads to Jamie George in good support, and Smith then kicks in behind, but Australia get bodies back and clear to about the ten-metre.

[9 July 2022 11:10 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Kick off!

The second Test between Australia and England is underway.

[9 July 2022 11:10 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia vs England

Andrew Brace (referee) and Joy Neville (TMO) are the key names of an Irish led group of match officials. Paul Williams of New Zealand and Craig Evans of Wales are the assistants.

Here we go, England to kick things off...

[9 July 2022 11:08 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Anthems

Plenty of England fans have travelled down to Brisbane, and they add their scattered voices from the stands to the singing of the national anthem.

As mentioned, a Yugambeh youth choir lead “Advance Australia Fair” first in the indigenous language, then in English.

[9 July 2022 11:05 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia vs England

Next come the Wallabies, Taniela Tupou chewing gum and readying his shoulders, swinging his arms, slapping his sides.

Shannon Ruska gives the Welcome to Country. “I don’t have my tribe here tonight,” he says, “so I’m going to ask the Aussie tribe here to join in with me.”

“Aussie Aussie Aussie!” is his call; “Oi, oi, oi!” the answer from the Wallabies fans inside Suncorp.

[9 July 2022 11:02 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia vs England

Australia are wearing a special First Nations kit tonight, and will sing the national anthem in the local Yugambeh language, in recognition of Naidoc week.

Looks a corking atmosphere under the lights at Suncorp Stadium. It sounds like there are some boos as Courtney Lawes leads England out.

[9 July 2022 10:54 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Eddie Jones is next in front of the microphone

“It’s another opportunity for us. We are particularly focussed on getting more line speed in our defence tonight and playing a bit more through our attack. The pitch is fast but for some reason they have put some water on it.

“Any message for the youngsters in the backs? “Just be themselves. They are good players, that is the reason they are here. Be themselves and they will have a big night.

“We want to go at them in the scrum - we have spoken to the referee at allowing us to scrummage. If he does, it might erupt.”

[9 July 2022 10:51 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Dave Rennie, Australia's head coach, speaks to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off

“We love playing here, it is a fantastic ground, very intimate. You’ll hear the crowd tonight.

“We are well ware that they will be hurting. We think they are going to kick a bit more tonight and try and squeeze us that way, so we’ve got to deal with that.

“We tend not to talk about who we are missing, and focus on who we have got. It is great to have Taniela back - he hasn’t played for a while, so we want a good set-piece from him, and anything around the field is a bonus.

“We are certainly confident, but we are going to have to play well. We know that England will be desperate.”

[9 July 2022 10:48 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia vs England

A big chance for Australia, today. England’s changes have rather drawn the focus in the pre-match buildup but last week was a fine evening for Dave Rennie’s side, showing their fight and clarity against adversity to beat England for the first time since 2015.

Can they settle the series? There’s a physical look to Rennie’s selection with Hunter Paisami in midfield and Taniela Tupou fit again at tighthead, while I’d expect Tom Wright to challenge England’s back three in the air. Noah Lolesio grew into the game well after his late call-up to start in Perth - you’d suggest he’ll feel slightly more settled and secure after a full week of running the Wallabies’ attack in training.