In a captivating rugby spectacle at the iconic Twickenham Stadium in London, the Australian Wallabies pulled off a remarkable come-from-behind 42-37 victory over England on Saturday. The thrilling encounter featured 12 tries and multiple lead changes, with Australia ultimately prevailing courtesy of a Max Jorgensen try in the 83rd minute.
England’s Fast Start Fizzles Out
England burst out of the gates, racing to a 15-3 lead within the first 20 minutes thanks to early tries from Chandler Cunningham-South. However, the hosts were dealt a blow when influential flanker Tom Curry was forced off with an injury. This seemed to disrupt England’s momentum, allowing Australia to claw their way back into the contest.
Wallabies Fight Back Before Halftime
Sparked by a moment of brilliance from debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who threw a deft no-look pass to set up a Tom Wright try, the Wallabies found their rhythm. Another try to prop Harry Williams saw Australia head into the halftime break with a slender 20-18 advantage.
Second Half Seesaws
The second stanza was a pulsating, back-and-forth affair. Australia extended their lead through Jeremy Williams, before England’s Ollie Sleightholme crossed twice to put the home side back in front. Wallaby winger Andrew Kellaway then scored to make it 37-34 to Australia, but England captain Maro Itoje powered over to give his team a 37-34 lead with just minutes remaining.
Jorgensen Delivers the Knockout Blow
Just when it seemed England had secured a hard-fought victory, Australian fullback Max Jorgensen produced a stunning solo try in the 83rd minute to snatch a 42-37 win for the Wallabies. The length-of-the-field effort, which came from a clever Len Ikitau kick, sealed a famous victory for Dave Rennie’s men.
Suaalii Shines on Debut
Making his first appearance for the Wallabies after a high-profile switch from rugby league, 21-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii announced himself as a star of the future. Despite not having played union since representing the Australian Schoolboys in 2019, the powerful center looked right at home, troubling the English defense with his speed, strength and skill.
“I thought [Suaalii] was strong. I thought he was really well supported by Len Ikitau. Joseph obviously got a few kick-offs back for us. He’s a bit of an aerial freak.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie
Building Belief Ahead of World Cup
For an Australian team that struggled through the recent Rugby Championship, recording just one win from six matches, this stirring comeback victory away from home could prove a turning point. With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, coach Dave Rennie will hope this result helps bolster belief within his squad.
“You’re always trying to build belief, particularly from where we were last year. Building those relationships and building a team, it takes time.”
Dave Rennie on the significance of the win
Next up for the buoyant Wallabies is a clash with Wales, as they continue their northern hemisphere tour. And with the British and Irish Lions set to visit Australia in 2025, Rennie’s men will look to use victories like this to lay the platform for a successful series against the touring side.
For England, it was a case of so near yet so far. Despite scoring five tries, ill-discipline and errors at crucial moments cost them dearly. Coach Steve Borthwick will demand a response from his charges in their next outing.
But this day belonged to a resurgent Australia, and one Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – a young man with the rugby world at his feet. If this is a sign of things to come, Wallabies fans have plenty to be excited about.
