Max Jorgensen scored a brilliant last-gasp winning try as Australia upset the form book to complete a stunning 42-37 Autumn Nations Series comeback victory over England.
It was their first win over the hosts at the home of English rugby since the 2015 World Cup with Joe Schmidt’s side hitting back from 15-3 down midway through the first half to launch a remarkable recovery.
With Chandler Cunningham-South and Ollie Sleightholme both helping themselves to two tries apiece for England, the match swung wildly from end to end with debutant Joseph Sua’ali’i in majestic form for the visitors until Maro Itoje seemed to have sealed the victory for England by going over on 78 minutes as Marcus Smith squeaked home the conversion.
But Jorgensen settled the match in Australia’s favour in the 84th minute with a surging run and finish from a Len Ikitau offload to seal a famous win with England somehow managing to lose a match at home for the first time having bagged 37 points.
Talking Point: How did England (again) lose grip on a match?
It will be a source of serious discomfort for England when they watch replays of this match over the next few days. They were strong favourites against a side they had lost only once to in 11 previous meetings since 2016, and twice had this match won in the final five minutes, but are making an unfortunate habit of coming out on the wrong side of these epic battles.
“It kind of feels where England are,” said former England international Ugo Monye on TNT Sports. “It is Groundhog Day. But unfortunately, the ending is this continuous nightmare of ‘we can’t close out a match..’ It is not unlucky any more. This is a trend that has stuck with England.”
England’s 2024 Test match misery
- France 33-31 England
- New Zealand 16-15 England
- New Zealand 24-17 England
- England 22-24 New Zealand
- England 37-42 Australia
Player of the Match: Joseph Sua’ali’i (Australia)
Huge expectations on the shoulders of 21-year-old Sua’ali’i after his much-discussed conversion from the NRL and it is fair to say the former Sydney Roosters kid lived up to the hype on his debut at outside centre before 80,000 vociferous fans.
Seemed to be playing a mixture of league, union, Aussie Rules and NBA basketball with his creativity and athleticism a joy to behold. Looks to be a future star in the making in his first match of union since his school days. He might also never again experience such a breathless encounter in the years ahead.
Player Ratings
England: Furbank 7, Feyi-Waboso 6, Lawrence 7, Slade 7, Freeman 7, M Smith 9, Spencer 7, Genge 6, George 6, Stuart 6, Itoje 7, Martin 7, Cunningham-South 8, T Curry6, Earl 6
Australia: Wright 7, Kellaway 7, Suaalii 9, Ikitau 8, Pietsch 7; Lolesio 8, Gordon 7, Bell 8, Faessler 7, Tupou 7, Frost 8, Williams 8, Valetini 7, McReight 7, Wilson 7
Match Highlights
5′ TRY! ENGLAND 5-0 AUSTRALIA That is a brilliant start to the day for England as they cut open the Australia defence with ease. Chandler Cunningham-South puts the finishing touches to a blistering move in the corner after Smith’s chip was picked up by Lawrence. So good from England. No conversion to follow.
12′ TRY! ENGLAND 12-3 AUSTRALIA Smith prompting another brilliant England attack. England held up on the line with Australia offside, but Genge with the chip and charge from the penalty and Chandler Cunningham-South comes in for his second try of the day. Smith adds the conversion after the referee made sure Cunningham-South had the ball in the palm of his hand as he went over.
20′ SMITH INCREASES ENGLAND LEAD That is another handy three points for England, who are well on top on this match as they keep the scoreboard ticking over to lead 15-3. Penalty awarded for sealing off. Aussies unhappy with that call.
34′ TRY! ENGLAND 18-17 AUSTRALIA Well then. Suddenly it is a one-point game as England’s defence is undone by some elusive Australia attack speed. McDermott, a temporary blood replacement, cuts open the white shirts before feeding the ball for Harry Wilson to crash over. And Lolesio adds the conversion. Game on now.
68′ TRY! ENGLAND 30-28 AUSTRALIA And this match is all square as Ollie Sleightholme arrives on cue from the Alex Dombrandt pass to go over in the corner. Smith with the conversion to give England the 30-28 lead. Smith again prompting that excellent try with Lawrence also involved. Superb from the home team.
75′ TRY! ENGLAND 30-35 AUSTRALIA Wow. Would you believe it as the Wallabies go up the park at great pace to punish England again. A stunning try from Kellaway as he picks up the loose ball before racing away from the home chasers. Lolesio lands the conversion. A five-point lead for Australia.
78′ TRY! ENGLAND 37-35 AUSTRALIA This is remarkable stuff as Maro Itoje picks up the loose ball after the England scrum and drives over before Smith adds the conversion. Just creeped over. Astonishing finish. England back in front.
84′ TRY! ENGLAND 37-42 AUSTRALIA And that is the victory for Australia as they come up with a stunning finish at the death to complete a brilliant comeback win. 84 minutes gone and Max Jorgensen with the winning try from the Ikitau offload as he sprints away from the England defence after a period of patient possession to go over. The conversion is added via Donaldson and that is an astonishing win. Really is.
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