England have put on a defensive masterclass to beat the hapless Wallabies for the second Test in a row, taking home the three-game series with one still to play.
More of the wash-up from Wallabies vs England
» Pulver not happy with AAMI Park surface
» Nine talking points
» DIY player ratings
» Roar Forum – what changes should the Wallabies make?
» WATCH: Highlights from the match
Eddie Jones’ men held out a Wallaby barrage in the second half to hold onto their line, hammering down the fort on their own tryline for the majority of the second stanza.
In stark contrast to the first test, the visitors got off to the bright start, opening up a 10-nil lead in the first 20 minutes of the game to leave Australia chasing the game from the get go.
It wasn’t until skipper Stephen Moore crossed the line before halftime that the home side would get a sniff at the lead.
The second 40 was saw an attacking blitz from the Wallabies, parking the car deep in the enemy territory as they looked to wrestle their way back into the game.
Despite trailing by just three at the break, and holding the lion’s share of possession and field position, it would take an Owen Farrell try with five minutes to go to finally sink the Wallabies in the end.
Much like the first test, the right boot of Owen Farrell was the difference maker for England, kicking three penalties and a pair of conversions to keep his side in front.
Charge after charge at the line was the order of the day for Australia, but England showed the defensive force that they have become since Eddie Jones took over the top job.
The AAMI Park surface was a big talking point coming into the game, and it proved to be a menace for both sides, tearing up under foot of every scrum and making life difficult for the big men packing in.
A litany of handling errors, turnovers and penalties killed the Wallabies time and time again during the game, with a sever lack of execution the biggest flaw in the home sides 16 point loss.
A fully deserved victory for England who fought tooth and nail on their own goal line to take another historic win, their largest in terms of margin against the Australians.
Final score
Australia 7
England 23
Rob G
Guest
because the biggest issue was number of pilfers??? Im not sure we needed any more possession
UKExpat
Guest
What do you mean when the going gets tough? Currently no other team in the world has had a tougher time over the last year than England. They were in a very very dark place after the last world cup and have worked extreamly hard to get out of it. Their efforts deserve all the praise they are now getting.
UKExpat
Guest
Mr Chieka didn't listen, Eddie told him England was going to use 'Bodyline' tactics and that is exactly what they did, except his 'Bodyline' was different to the Cricket one. England's 'Bodyline' was to put their bodies on the line and defended at all costs. Joking aside, I can't see this as a disaster for the Wallabies as what goes around comes around and it's four years to the next World Cup and Australia has more than enough time to turn things round.In fact England may peak to soon, but then again they came from a very dark place after the last Woeld Cup.
richard
Guest
The ABs don't play England until next year.
richard
Guest
The ABs don't plat England until next year.
taylorman
Roar Guru
I think Oz underestimated England to an extent and when they realised that it was too late, they'd already overestimated themselves and that got worse with the injuries. Sydney will be once again the banana peel Match for the ABs again this year. We struggle there and if there's any underestimating it may be the ABs after the June tours.
Rabbits
Guest
With you Pete.
OJP
Guest
yep, thats my recall as well RobC
OJP
Guest
yes, I agree Hooper was too flat and couldnt receive the pass himself and also effectively blocked the pass to unmarked DHP on the wing although Folau could have thrown it sooner (ie before Hooper arrived)
OJP
Guest
not enough queenslanders I reckon :)
OJP
Guest
errr Izzy has a NZ partner.... does Antoni know :) ? Anyway, best of luck to them both and can I claim dibs as sports agent for any kids they happen to produce ?
Bakkies
Guest
Jones lost the job on a back end of a 7 game losing streak and burnt through quiet a few assistant coaches.
OJP
Guest
Woodcock is smug ? Dont necessarily agree, but I can understand how you might think that about the coaches, Read and certainly Wilson... but Woodcock ? What have I missed ?
Pete
Guest
"AB's and anyone playing Australia"... That means I support many teams..You could get a job as the Wobbly analyst with comprehension skills like that...
Not Bothered
Guest
Eng go close to the ABs quite often and win about 1 in 5. This Eng team is finally playing to its potential and is better than most Eng teams have been. Its better than the Eng team that thrashed NZ in 2012. NZ is the better team but Eng could quite easily be their biggest threat.
JimmyB
Guest
Thanks Adsa. Happy Days indeed.
Not Bothered
Guest
Cringe-worthy. I think they could challenge for number 1 and they dont even need to beat NZ. However I think this team has a bit of improving to do and next time they face NZ it should be a great game. And by the way Mace, in 2003 England were the best team in the world and in 2007 the Boks won the WC so if this Eng team are a cross between those 2 then they deserve respect.
Not Bothered
Guest
WR shortlist for poty. Super Rugby poty. Australian international poty. But Adsa says hes no good. Well done, youve made it very clear that you dont understand the game. I look forward to your next genius post blaming a player you have an irrational dislike for. Hooper has been Australias best player this tour and you are blaming him. Tell us who you like, Im sure top coaches would love to hear...actually nobody cares because you clearly dont understand the game of rugby if you keep blaming the guy who keeps winning awards and selection from coach after coach.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Understandable why he was smiling and laughing. It was his partner Maria Tutaia, NZ netball rep. ?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Bit of both, more that England have got better because their win rate has increased considerably. But Oz have also lost the edge they had last year and some key players...Pocock, Beale, AAC in particular have not been even remotely replaced. They're left with the marginals...those that are either inconsistent, or too new to stamp their authority on a match.