England vs Australia: Second-half rally sees hosts to victory at Twickenham
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Your support makes all the difference.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:
67 min: A high tackle from Itoje sees Australia awarded the penalty. They kick for the line-out. This could prove a defining couple of minutes for both sides.
68 min: England are penalised at the line-out and we go again for take 2.
Let's wait for the ref's decision before mapping out how England went from their own 5-metre line to the other end of the pitch...
69 min: From the line-out, the ball was shipped from right to left, with Samu Kerevi 10 metres out from England's try-line on this left-hand side touchline. Daly came sliding in to make the tackle of the match, forcing the centre to fling the ball back inwards to avoid being carried into touch. Slade picked up possession, booted it forward and off went May in search of another try. However, the ball was judged to have clipped the touchline on its way down the pitch, thus seeing play brought back for an Australia line-out after May had dived over. Nonetheless, a fantastic display of counter-attacking rugby from the hosts.
71 min: In other news, Manu Tuilagi has made his long-awaited return to England rugby and almost immediately made his presence felt with a booming hit in the centre of the park. Welcome back, Manu.
73 min: More encouraging play from England's backs sees Jonny May surge forward down the right. The tackle is made but his wild offload is inadvertently kicked into touch by a yellow shirt. England line-out.
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