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.
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England 37-13 Australia (Farrell try, Farrell conversion, 76 min)
After disrupting an Australian line-out, England had their opponents in disarray. Pressing forwards against a disorganised and disjointed Aussie defence, the ball was gradually edged closer and closer towards the Wallabies' try-line. From a ruck in the 22, the space opened up to the left which Farrell galloped into before arcing his way back around and diving over under the posts.
79 min: Tensions are running high as another altercation breaks out between the two sides. Not that it matters. This game is done. England have victory in the bag and a fine finish to what has been a fine autumn series.
TRY! A late consolation score for Australia as Israel Folau gets his second of the match!
England 37-18 Australia (Folau try, 80 min)
The hosts were caught napping as Haylett-Petty broke free down the right flank. He ventured inwards, gliding his way past a number of England players, but was eventually brought down in England's 22. The Australians acted quickly as the home side scurried to organise themselves, with Foley kicking the ball in behind for Folau to claim and dive over for a final score.
So, that's that! England end their autumn series with a third and final victory. After the misery that marked the start of their 2018 season, Eddie Jones' men end the year on a high with a deeply impressive and assertive performance against one of the game's biggest sides.
To Australia's credit, they took the fight to Australia. There were moments when they had England on the ropes and the fact that this game headed into the break at 13-13 showed at close it was. But the home side's class and composure saw them through in the second half, with May scoring an early try to give England the confidence boost they needed to push on.
No doubt there'll be question marks raised over whether Farrell should have been on the pitch for the opening 10 minutes of the second half after his tackle on Izack Rodda moments before the break. We'll bring you all the best lines from Michael Cheika's press conference later this evening, so make sure to keep an eye on Independent Sport to see what he has to say about that particular moment.
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