England vs Australia: Eddie Jones tight-lipped over Owen Farrell's controversial tackle after Twickenham victory

Farrell could have been shown a yellow for his tackle on Izack Rodda but the fly-half went unpunished as Australia were denied what would have been a game-changing try

England head coach Eddie Jones remained tight-lipped about the controversial Owen Farrell challenge which denied Australia a game-changing try moments before the break here at Twickenham.

Jones’ men went on to secure victory in their fourth and final Test of the autumn series, winning 37-18 to extend their unbeaten run against the Wallabies to six matches.

Nonetheless, it could have been a very different story, with the officials’ decision-making once again falling under scrutiny in the wake of the game.

With England leading by just three points before the break, and under pressure from an ascendant Australia side, Farrell stopped Izack Rodda in his tracks to stop the lock crashing over for a try.

Replays showed that the England 10 made no attempt to wrap his arms around the player – as was the case with his tackle against South Africa’s André Esterhuizen earlier this month – and had lent into the challenge with his shoulder.

Both players were sent tumbling to the deck as a result of the collision before Australia were eventually awarded a penalty for a separate offside infringement. Farrell went unpunished while the referee ignored Australia’s remonstrations to review the incident, with Matt To’omua kicking the three points to draw the score level at 13-13.

Speaking after the match, Jones refused to be drawn on the challenge – one which Michael Cheika, Australia’s head coach, later insisted should have been punished with a penalty try.

When asked for his thoughts on Farrell’s tackle, Jone said: “You guys love the TMO, I don’t. I just accept whatever decision the TMO makes and that is the end of it. We have had some good decisions, we have had some bad decisions, we just accept them.”

Asked if he thought Chieka would be aggrieved by the incident, he added: “Speak to Michael about it. I’m sure he’ll talk about it. Why talk to me about Michael Cheika.”

After heading into the break at 13-13, England hit back hard in the second half. Tries from Elliot Daly, Joe Cokanasiga and Owen Farrell, following Jonny May’s third-minute score, ultimately put the game to bed – though Australia were handed a late consolation try from Israel Folau, his second of the game.

Of the match as a whole, Jones said: “Very positive. We knew Australia would be tough today, they have had a tough year and all the shenanigans off the field generally brings a side together, so they were always going to be at their best today.

“First half we had opportunities to get bit further ahead than we were, missed those, allowed them back into the game and they got a bit of confidence. Second half we were able to regroup, play in a real English way and I was really pleased with that.”