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That was a much-needed victory for England.The performance made a nonsense of ‘s pre-match comments that this game was the perfect practice for next year’s World Cup.
Test match rugby is about winning, not practice.And after four straight defeats, it was vital England turned the corner. They did that by pitching up and doing the business. It wasn’t perfect by a long way and we still need to see more from the back-line.
If we’re being brutally honest, England dominated the game for large periods but still scored only one try.Debutants Guy Porter and Tommy Freeman barely touched the ball in attack.
It was nonsense for Eddie Jones to say England’s win over Australia was World Cup practice
Test match rugby is solely about winning, and his team, despite dominating, scored one try
England’s success was built on the pack, Sportsbook software which was superb. In the first half the performance produced by the forwards was 10 out of 10. It was really impressive.
Starting from the front, Ellis Genge, Courtney Lawes and Billy Vunipola all delivered big displays.Vunipola was my standout. In the first half England dominated the contact area. They won the collisions, their carrying was aggressive, and their rolling maul worked well. The line-out move for Vunipola’s try was neatly executed.
England fully deserved to win, but at international level it doesn’t matter how the victory arrives.Win and move on. Yes, you want to play well, but winning is a habit and it is one England haven’t had on a regular basis in the last three years. This was much more like it, particularly before half-time.
Australia did come back in the second half.They had a 10-minute period where they were within five points, but they didn’t capitalise.
Billy Vunipola (centre) was the standout, with the line-out move for his try neatly executed
The Wallabies were seriously bad in that time in every facet of the game: giving away scrum penalties, throwing a couple of not straight line-outs, kicking the ball away aimlessly and conceding stupid penalties.They really did let England off the hook. You can’t afford to do that when you are chasing a game in Test rugby.
Australia were so naive and James O’Connor, who is a shadow of his former self, made a couple of big errors. I must say, though, that I do really feel for the Wallabies with the injuries they’ve had.
This isn’t a great Australia side, but any team would have been impacted by losing the number of players they have in the first two Tests.Their latest injury misery was summed up by Jordan Petaia leaving the field for a head knock. His replacement Izaia Perese — who was also yellow carded — then suffered a nasty knee injury.
Everything seems to be against Australia on that front.But England had to be ruthless and take advantage. They did that to lead 19-7 at the break and it could have been more. Genge set the tone with a monster early hit on Australia’s talisman Michael Hooper and from there, England got on top.
But Australia were naive and James O’Connor (pictured left) was a shadow of his former self
The third Test could be spectacular now.England have taken a lot of criticism for some of their recent performances, but as much as I’ve been one of those voices, you also have to give credit to the team when they deliver.
As I wrote in the week, it is not easy for any side to win in Brisbane.England’s win was Australia’s first defeat at Suncorp since 2016. That’s a big feather in the cap.
Now the challenge is to go on and win the series and continue the feelgood factor this result will deliver. I’d like to see more from the men behind the scrum.
At No 9 Jack van Poortvliet had an excellent game.When you’re a scrum-half behind a dominant pack it makes your life 10 times easier than when your forwards are in reverse. But Van Poortvliet’s service was sharp and he looked lively. He can be very pleased with his first two appearances in an England shirt. There wasn’t much else to write home about.
Jack van Poortvliet (left) was excellent, he looked lively while enjoying some sharp service
England’s points came from a pushover try and the boot of Owen Farrell, whose kicking was excellent apart from one penalty miss from long range.
When you are on top up front and your opposition are conceding penalties, you have to take advantage and that’s what England did.
I cannot understand why so many people are against Farrell — he must start for England at either 10 or 12.Fly-half is his best position and I still believe England are badly short of a truly world-class 12.
England’s display wasn’t in the same league as Ireland’s victory over New Zealand, but we must still be very positive.
It is mind-boggling why so many people are against Owen Farrell; he must start at 10 or 12
I’d go with as close to the same team as the one which started the second Test for the series decider, but injuries mean there will have to be changes.Maro Itoje has already been ruled out and there will also be a doubt over Sam Underhill.
As I’ve said repeatedly, Lawes should be at lock and not six so with Itoje out, I’d move him back to the second row. That would mean Lewis Ludlam could slot in on the flank.
I’m not sure that will happen as it looks like Jones is wedded to the Lawes at six theory.
They should now win the series, but there is still work to do for the team to become a top outfit
England should win the series from here, especially given how patched-up Australia are.
I’d like to see Marcus Smith slightly flatter to the gainline.I think that will help the attack. There is still lots of work to do for the team to become a top side.
Brisbane was a step in the right direction and more like the sort of rugby we know England can produce. Let’s hope it’s a springboard for future improvement.