The Wallabies have pulled off one of their greatest wins over England, thanks to a Max Jorgensen try after the siren at Twickenham.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was magnificent on Test debut at No.13 and barely put a foot wrong in Australia’s famous 42-37 victory as the Wallabies’ forwards all dug deep to help the men in gold to victory in their first spring tour outing.
Here’s how Australia’s players fared.
1) Angus Bell – 8.5
A brilliant performance. Put England’s No.7 Tom Curry on his back in a brutal first half carry. Had the second-highest number of carries (14) and beat a remarkable nine defenders as one of Australia’s best. Did not stop all afternoon.
2) Matt Faessler – 7.5
Was polished at lineout time and pulled off a smart throw to the front in the 50th minute. Made his tackles and showed he is flourishing at Test level.
3) Taniela Tupou – 5
Gave away a scrum penalty in the 15th minute and then again on the half-hour mark. A knock on in the 32nd minute capped an ordinary first half for one of Australia’s highest-paid players. Was replaced in the 46th minute.
4) Nick Frost – 8
A really solid performance in defence from the Brumbies star, with 15 tackles. Such an underrated player in this Wallabies team.
Rob Valentini celebrates.Credit: Getty Images
5) Jeremy Williams – 8.5
Pulled off a marvellous try down the left edge as his boot came within a whisker of the touchline. It was a finish that a winger would be proud of. Showing real promise at Test level.
6) Rob Valetini – 9
Absolutely immense. This year’s John Eales medallist led from the front and took it to England on both sides of the ball. Smashed Luke Cowan-Dickie at one point. Such a valuable figure for the Wallabies who leads by example every time he plays.
Australian captain Harry Wilson with the Ella-Mobbs trophy.Credit: Getty Images
7) Fraser McReight – 8.5
Topped the tackle count for Australia (17). Threw a sloppy pass late in the second half but won a crucial turnover seconds later. Put his body on the line and showed why his work ethic is one of the best in the game. Made an important cleanout late in the match as England tried to win a turnover that would have seen the home side take the match.
8) Harry Wilson – 8.5
A typically gutsy shift from the skipper, whose hard work with ball in hand was rewarded with a 34th minute five-pointer. Wilson made more carries (16) than any player on the field in perhaps his greatest Wallabies performance. Came off in the 65th minute.
9) Jake Gordon – 7
Provided quality service and played his role. Came off for a HIA but returned later. Strong combination with No.10 Noah Lolesio. Continues to be consistent at the top level.
10) Noah Lolesio – 8
Effective off the boot with 13 points from the kicking tee. Made good decisions on when to pass and kick. He will gain confidence from that win.
11) Dylan Pietsch – 7.5
Came off after 47 minutes with a suspected injury. Third on the Australian list for metres made (67) in a busy outing.
12) Len Ikitau – 8.5
Adjusted to No.12 superbly and worked beautifully with Suaalii. Asked plenty of questions of England’s defence and excellent in defence himself. Threw the final pass for Jorgensen’s match-winning try in extra-time and celebrated in style.
13) Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 9
Won an aerial ball back for the Wallabies from a kick-off to announce his arrival on the Test stage before producing a clever offload in the 22nd minute to Andrew Kellaway. Then came a brilliant draw-and-pass to set up Australia’s first try courtesy of Tom Wright. It took England 40 minutes to stick a tackle on Suaalii, who made four offloads in the match, double anyone else. A remarkable debut that earned him man of the match honours.
14) Andrew Kellaway – 7.5
Dropped a high ball that led to England’s second try. Swooped on a loose ball with just over five minutes remaining to score a 55-metre runaway try. Great step to evade chasing England defenders. Consistent as always.
15) Tom Wright – 8
Made more line breaks (4) than any player from both sides and more metres (86) than any Australian player. A number of great breaks from within Australia’s half provided the spark the visitors needed. Cracking game.
16) Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 7
First lineout was good but the second didn’t go to plan inside England’s half. Made an important cleanout late in the match and showed great energy in his second half stint.
17) James Slipper – 6
Came on with 10 minutes to go and had limited involvements. Worked hard as Australia pushed for a late scrum penalty.
18) Allan Alaalatoa – 7
Did his job.
19) Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 7
A productive 20-minute shift that kept England on their toes.
20) Langi Gleeson – 6
Nothing flashy from the youngster but didn’t shy away from the tough stuff in the middle of the park.
21) Tate McDermott – 8.5
Got on earlier than expected, due to Gordon coming off for a HIA, and made an immediate impact by breaking through the line. Looked dangerous and had one of his best games at international level. Will start a game on this tour.
22) Ben Donaldson – 8
Got a great clearing kick away with Australia under the pump inside their 22. His tip-on in the lead-up to Jorgensen’s try after the siren was vital.
23) Max Jorgensen – 8
Got in the game early after coming on in the 47th minute. Pulled off an important tackle with 14 minutes to go, putting Ollie Sleightholme into touch. Showed impressive pace against tiring English legs to score the match-winner down the left wing and help the Wallabies to their first win over England at Twickenham since 2015.
