England vs Australia: Second-half rally sees hosts to victory at Twickenham

Re-live all the action

England Rugby head coach Eddie Jones press conference ahead of Autumn International match against Australia

England swept aside Australia 37-18 to claim a sixth successive victory over the Wallabies and complete a successful autumn series at Twickenham marred only by a controversial defeat to New Zealand.

The old enemies were deadlocked at 13-13 entering half-time but blistering tries from Elliot Daly and Joe Cokanasiga opened up daylight before the win became a rout when Owen Farrell touched down in the closing stages.

Apart from losing their way in the second quarter, England dominated the Cook Cup showdown with man of the match Kyle Sinckler, Jonny May and Cokanasiga outstanding.

Victory was secured against one of the poorest Wallaby teams seen at Twickenham in recent years, the tourists enfeebled by the loss of David Pocock to a neck injury and tumultuous build up due to senior players Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper being disciplined for bringing women back to their hotel rooms.

Among the biggest roars of the afternoon was reserved for Manu Tuilagi, who finally made his first Test appearance for two years as a final-quarter replacement having overcome a groin strain.

Re-live the action below:

[24 November 2018 15:46 · Samuel Lovett]

HALF-TIME: England 13-13 Australia

[24 November 2018 15:47 · Samuel Lovett]

Israel Folau dives over for Australia 

[24 November 2018 15:52 · Samuel Lovett]

What a half of rugby it's been. England came out of the blocks fastest and were quick to assert their authority, taking a 7-0 lead after just three minutes. But the visitors got themselves together, ironed out the inconsistencies that characterised their earlier play and soon had England on the back foot.

Haylett-Petty's disallowed try was the warning sign but it went unheeded. Not long after, Eddie Jones' side saw themselves cut open by a devastating passage of play that culminated in a Folau try. It was a curt reminder of what this Australia side is capable of when firing on all cylinders. The Wallabies ended the half with a deserved penalty and head into the break on top. A difficult 40 minutes of rugby now follows for Jones and his men.

[24 November 2018 15:58 · Samuel Lovett]

Sir Clive Woodward has said that England should have been awarded a penalty try for Owen Farrell's tackle on Izack Rodda in the dying minutes of the first half. With the Aussie lock bearing down on the try-line, the England fly-half practically threw himself at the forward in an attempt to stop him. He made no attempts to wrap his arms and was subsequently sent flying backwards, but it was enough to bring Rodda down and prevent an Australian try.

I imagine Cheika will have something to say about that afterwards if his side doesn't win today.

[24 November 2018 15:59 · Samuel Lovett]

The players are back on the pitch. The second half is seconds away!

[24 November 2018 15:59 · Samuel Lovett]

Australia substitution: Jack Maddocks has been replaced by Sefa Naivalu.

[24 November 2018 16:00 · Samuel Lovett]

Kick-off!

To'omua sends it long and we're back under way here at Twickenham!

[24 November 2018 16:02 · Samuel Lovett]

41 min: An altercation breaks out and it looks like it's Kyle Sinckler who was at fault. After a word from the ref, order is restored.

[24 November 2018 16:03 · Samuel Lovett]

TRY! Elliot Daly puts England ahead!

[24 November 2018 16:04 · Samuel Lovett]

England 20-13 Australia (Daly try, Farrell conversion, 45 min)

Just what the doctor ordered. It was Sinckler who kicked off proceedings, taking the ball into contact which must have sucked in at least three Aussie players. From there, play went left before Farrell found himself similarly overwhelmed by yellow shirts. However, he managed to make the offload to Daly who, from deep, had come charging forward to slice open Australia's defence in two. From there, he weaved his way from left to right and eventually dived over in the left-hand corner. Farrell converts.