England clinch Series defeating Wallabies in Sydney
England recorded their second-ever Series win Down Under after beating Australia 17-21 in Sydney.
The Wallabies started strongly but were unable to convert early opportunity into points, as Noah Lolesio missed a penalty on five minutes, before a promising Taniela Tupou break just metres from England's line was spoiled by a poor pass to the supporting Nick Frost.
Owen Farrell had no such issue with his first attempt at goal on the 17-minute mark, claiming the first points of the Test with a 40 metre effort. Eddie Jones' men gew into the match and showed glimpses of promise in attack, as neat hands saw Tommy Freeman unleashed down the left flank multiple times, but it was that same flank that Australia exposed and launched a length-of-the-field try from - Wright, the benefactor, and Lolesio with the extras to make it 7-3.
The young fly half extended the hosts' lead by seven points with a penalty on the half hour, but Farrell answered with one of his own moments later, and Freddie Steward powered over from close range in the left corner on the stroke of half time to take a one point lead into the break. The scoreboard may have flattered the visitors at half time, but the stats did not: Australia making more metres and carries, while boasting more possession, clean breaks and defenders beaten.
England showed defensive grit in the opening stages of the second half, withstanding powerful Wallaby carries to force a penalty and safe exit. They then began to enjoy some fluidity in attack, spearheaded by brutal running from Ellis Genge, Jack Nowell and Freeman. England forced a penalty off the back of their positive carries, and Farrell was on hand to claim his ninth point on 50 minutes.
In a momentum-shifting moment, Marcus Smith jumped on an overthrown Dave Porecki line out as the hour mark approached, and twisting out of the tackles of Hunter Paisami and Samu Kerevi, the Harlequin accelerated away and cantered in unopposed from half way. Farrell's conversion gave England an 11-point lead.
Despite staunch English defence, Australia battled back via a Folau Fainga’a try on 66 minutes - the replacement barrelling over from close range - though it was the visitor's ill discipline that gave them the platform to score. Lolesio converted the effort to make it 17-21.
The hosts threw everything at England in the closing stages, but the visitors held firm, as forward finishers Nick Isiekwe, Mako Vunipola, Jack Willis and Luke Cowan-Dickie brought tremendous energy in defence. The Exeter Chief hooker forced a crucial turnover with four minutes remaining, and England saw out the Test to record their second-ever Series win Down Under and claim the Ella-Mobbs Trophy.
Reaction
Freddie Steward: "The boys just fought, dug in and gave everything, to win after an effort like that in a proper Test match is special. It's been an incredible experience the three weeks we've been here, we've had some great times with some great lads, it's a proper squad of 36. To come away with a series win is amazing. We've given everything. To give a performance like that at the back end of a season is awesome."
Courtney Lawes: "Credit to the Australia team, what a challenge that was. We appreciate our fans, we appreciate the Australian fans - everyone coming to make it a special atmosphere. Thank you very much."
Teams
England
15. Freddie Steward, 14. Jack Nowell, 13. Guy Porter, 12. Owen Farrell, 11. Tommy Freeman, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Danny Care, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Ollie Chessum, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. Courtney Lawes (C), 7. Lewis Ludlam, 8. Billy Vunipola.
Finishers
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17. Mako Vunipola, 18. Joe Heyes, 19. Nick Isiekwe, 20 Jack Willis, 21. Jack van Poortlviet, 22. Will Joseph, 23. Henry Arundell.
Australia
15.Reece Hodge, 14. Tom Wright, 13. Hunter Paisami, 12. Samu Kerevi, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Noah Lolesio, 9. Nic White, 8. Rob Valetini, 7. Michael Hooper (C), 6. Harry Wilson, 5. Matt Philip, 4. Nick Frost, 3. Taniela Tupou, 2. David Porecki, 1. James Slipper.
Replacements
16. Folau Fainga’a, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Allan Alaalatoa, 19. Rob Leota, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Len Ikitau, 23. Suliasi Vunivalu.
Fixtures & Results
Test 1 - Australia 30 - 28 England
Test 2 - Australia 17 - 25 England
Test 3 - Australia 17 - 21 England
