Wallabies coach Robbie Deans knocked back the opportunity to give his critics a spray after his side’s gallant 20-14 win over England at Twickenham.
Deans was under enormous pressure entering the contest in front 81,361 fans on Saturday after France thumped Australia 33-6 the previous weekend in Paris.
It prompted several critics to fire off at Deans, including Wallabies’ legend David Campese who said Deans should be sacked for destroying Australian rugby.
Deans was cheekily asked at the post-match press conference if Campese had been in touch.
The coach stayed silent before he was then asked about the significance of the victory given the pressure he and his men were under after the France game.
But Deans turned the focus off himself and onto the players.
“Any result at Twickenham is significant, it doesn’t come easily here,” Deans said.
“We’re very pleased for the lads and the way they played.
“They played, not me, as I’ve said before.
“It was obviously a much better effort than last week and it had to be. A big part of the adjustment was probably mental to be fair.”
“Paris is a bit alluring like that and in Test footy you’ve got to turn up or you get put away.”
Australia repelled raid after raid in a tryless second half with all their points in the second term coming from the boot of fullback Berrick Barnes, who kicked three penalty goals.
Barnes kicked four penalties for the night and a first-half field goal for a personal tally of 15 points.
Of great relief to the Wallabies was the fact they broke a two-Test scoring drought when Nick Cummins crashed over in the 35th minute.
The big Western Force winger finished off a near 55-metre effort after halfback Nick Phipps ghosted through some feeble England left edge defence.
Australia only led for a few minutes before giant Samoan-born centre Manusamoa Tuilagi scored out wide to make it 14-11 at the halftime break.
The Wallabies’ much-maligned scrum enjoyed a points victory over England with prop Ben Alexander outstanding on his return from injury.
Alexander hopelessly out-played England loose head Joe Marler who was warned by French referee Romain Poite a couple of times for poor binds.
Man of the match, Australia’s No.7 Michael Hooper, who was a constant menace at the breakdown, said the Wallabies’ scrum was immense.
“That was such a confidence booster for our tight five, our scrum was very good tonight,” he said.
From the outset the Wallabies were brutal at the breakdown with hitmen Sitaleki Timani and Wycliff Palu throwing their weight around.
Ben Tapuai was another standout, having a superb game in his first Test as a No.12 and his fifth cap for Australia overall.
Hooper admits the Wallabies were in need of a lift.
“It puts us back in a great frame of mind for the rest of the tour. To come out with a performance like that shows the character of this team,” he said.
England coach Stuart Lancaster praised Australia’s performance but said it was a hard loss to cop after his side squandered countless opportunities in the second half.
“For us, we are absolutely devastated we lost that game,” he said.
“I thought Australia played quite a smart game and put us under some pressure with some chips over the top … They went hard at the breakdown to stop out quick ball.”
Australia prevented England from making it three straight Cook Cup wins.
old hooker
Guest
Campese should apoogise to Robbie Deans and all of the Wallabies who didn't need that crap before a huge game. The boys were great and we hope they have now turned the corner. The game would be a lot better if the scum halves were penalised for not putting the ball down the cetreline of the scrum and the line outs should revert to no lifting.It was only brought in when the South africans were welcomed back into the fold. These changes would make it a fairer competition in these areas. If the powers that be were not frightened of admitting that Rugby league made some good changes, they would use a drop kick from the triy line if a defensive player forces the ball and reduce the penalty goal to 2 points. The benefit of doubt when a try is reviewed should be awarded to the attacking team. These changes were all made by the leagues to attract spectators who found Rugbt union boring and they have proved successfull to a fair degree. If we kept the rest of our game and made these changes the game would be fairrer, more competitive and a better spectacle.
Colin N
Guest
Tuilagi's wasn't a double movement as he's allowed to place the ball.
Coxinator
Guest
I'm tired of hearing how Phipps' pass was forward. It was passed backwards for all to see and that's why it was not called. Whereas Tuilagi's try is a double-movement and thus a penalty.
sittingbison
Guest
my thoughts on the Manu Tuilagi "try"? It failed on four levels: 1) Tuilagi is allowed to place the ball wherever he wants being tackled, however he made another movement trying to reach the tryline so he played on after being tackled. And he was off his feet. No try. 2) He missed the tryline with his first attempt. He was short. He only has the one shot at it, so at that precise moment he did not score a try. 3) The ball rolled forward in order to reach the tryline. Knock on. No try. 4) His hand slipped off the ball when he placed it the first time. When the ball rolled forward, he was no longer in control placing downward pressure. No try. This was in clear view from numerous angles. A truly disgraceful decision. But then again I don't have any rule expertise hehe
bennalong
Guest
Bull. Clearly backward out of the hands!
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
b f - Finally some balance. Nice to win but hey guys let's keep it real. It's not often I agree with Phil Kearns but I must say that when he commented on our aimless kicking in the final 20 minutes with 'why are we moving away from what's worked to what doesn't work'? I was in full agreement.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
Crikey I like Cummins', real pace, some mongrel, a hard worker and his ability to stay in the field, despite heavy traffic. He has that wonderful Mauri sidestep thing happening too. ;) But let's be honest here, the ball would not have got to him with our previous 12. The Taps & AAC combo is so bloody obvious that you have to wonder why it took an injury to implement it.
fernando marzano
Guest
Hello from Argentina Congratulations, I sat watching television supporting the WBs, and thankfully reappeared the great heart that these players have. Impressed by the level of Hooper, and is the first time I see Phipps playing well. I'm happy for all the players, for the coach and all the WB´s followers. What Campese Gonna say now, and it would be good after so much criticism, apologize to the coach, to the ARU staff, and to the all Australin´s fans. Congratulation again. Fernando - Córdoba - Argentina
Matt
Guest
Did they win by kicking penalties? Or did they need tries to win? Dumbass deans.
Justin2
Guest
Evens out, Phipps pass was a mile forward.
Justin2
Guest
He hasn't come straight in at all. Taps has been playing for months and only got a sniff with injury. Should have be in the world cup squad too.
s.t.rine
Guest
Dunno about the T try & it MIGHT have been third movement, but so far no blogs bashing the ref. I liked fact he went to TMO a lot - versus some egomaniacs who 'know better'. Thought he was even-handed but should have given yellow to X (Apache Haircut) for TWO infringements in front of Eng post. S. T. R
"Ted"
Guest
On more technical point - Tuilagi - Try or no try ? I need someone with more rule expertise than me to opine . Tuilagi hits ground ball in hand under chest 6 feet out with forward momentum He then stretches out to ground the ball again for a second time a clear few inches short of line. In a time flash but with observable delay he rolls ball over on ground to touch line -after he knew he was short Phipps touch was after this so not relevant To me it appears to be a third movement , a knock on on the ground, playing ball on ground - expert input please. Several English press called it questionable or no try . Help me out here
"Ted"
Guest
Guys this was definitely an "I was there" day . The only thing they slaughtered was our Anthem! The Aussie fans ( fewer than normal for some reason) stood proud as the underdogs mugged the favourites and silenced the crowd who were reduced to cheering anytime the Poms passed twice in their backline. Our midfield defence was awesome and starved Ashton and co . Both flankers had their best ever test games, front 5 went all night - and again, Cummins took his chances to show his Rottweiler style, and Phipps redeemed himself from Paris in style, and Barnesy made sure we didn't miss Harris - or any AFL mark takers for that matter. This was a great win - and announced to the world that Oz has finally developed some quality depth arising from our frontline injury scenario . For once the Eng press was almost complimentary about us today and the English around me and my 2 teenage sons all turned to shake hands Yes I was there - and this was a great day .
s.t.rine
Guest
Thought it very enjoyable game with both teams running & passing. Has England been watching SH games? Barnes steady - especially under high ball. Hooper a find. Phipps settled & stayed calm despite Danny Care who intimidates opposing halves (he may not be around much more after HIS game) Beale OK, but kicked the ball away 5 times (my count) during 65th to 75th minute. Been ABs they would have run back two tries. No very bright. Pom writer said OZ showed intensity.......well, every other game is not that bad! S. T R
IronAwe
Guest
Agreed! Hopefully there to stay!
Scotty
Guest
I say they have less chance of winning. If they don't gain mastery of the scrum (and England didn't and Italy scrum has been fading for a few years now) then I can't see them scoring a try as they have poor quality backs for the most part. I have seen it over the last 12 years living in the UK - Italy any day now are going to have great backs..but that day never comes. They used to have a superb 9, but he retired some time ago. I think it will be the Wallabies by about 20.
PeterK
Guest
actually if they played in their white strip that would make them the Lightness. Wallabies in gold would make them the Daylight.
atlas
Guest
I still don't like this Darkness name. Would that make England 'The Purpleness'? (not to confuse with 'Purposeless')
blind freddie
Guest
Good to win against England but we shouldn't get too carried away in the euphoria. We only scored one try and England could easily have pulled it out of the fire if they had taken points from penalties when they presented in the last 20 mins. While I have been a proponent of Taps at 12 and AAC at 13, I think that Taps performance should at best be described at as OK, same for Cummins. It was a better team performance with more players in their natural positions. Alexander and Hooper were first class. Another good thing was the replacement of aimless kicking away of possession with a measured,attacking kicking game.