Max Jorgensen’s last-minute try propelled Australia to a thrilling 42-37 victory over England at Twickenham in a match filled with excitement and ten tries. The contest saw the lead switch hands four times in the dramatic closing moments.
England seemed poised for victory after Marcus Smith successfully converted Maro Itoje’s score in the 78th minute. However, the relentless Australians rallied to claim a stunning upset triumph, marking just their second win in their last 12 confrontations with England and their first victory at Twickenham since their 2015 World Cup pool match. This defeat extended England’s run to four consecutive losses.
The match began with England showcasing their skills, scoring a brilliant try in the opening five minutes. Ollie Lawrence, who had limited involvement the week before, executed a precise kick from Marcus Smith, leading to Chandler Cunningham-South diving over after a series of crisp passes. Lawrence soon scored himself, charging through the Australian defense following a quick tap penalty.
However, England’s momentum was disrupted by the loss of flanker Tom Curry, who suffered a knee to the head during a tackle. This setback opened the door for the Australians, who played with ambition and capitalized on missed tackles. A masterful no-look pass from Joseph Suaalii, making his senior debut in union, set up Tom Wright for a try, followed by Tate McDermott finding Harry Wilson for another score. A penalty from Noah Lolesio saw Australia take a surprising 20-18 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Australia maintain their aggressive play, with Jeremy Williams scoring their third try in an acrobatic manner. England, initially trailing by 12 points, continued to push and found success with a first international try for replacement wing Ollie Sleightholme, narrowing the gap. Sleightholme would soon score again, giving England a brief lead at 30-28 with just ten minutes remaining.
As the match entered its final stages, a failed pass by England was seized by Andrew Kellaway, allowing Australia to reclaim the lead. In a dramatic twist, Itoje leveled the score once more for England, converting his own try and leaving the crowd hopeful for a home-team victory. Nevertheless, Australia’s determination shone through as they orchestrated a late surge, culminating in Jorgensen’s decisive try just before the final whistle.
Next up, England will face world champions South Africa at Twickenham next Saturday, while the Wallabies prepare to take on Wales on Sunday.
This match highlights the unpredictable nature of rugby, where teams can swiftly alter their fortunes, leaving fans hopeful for thrilling encounters ahead.
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