England vs Wallabies: Five things we learned

Beth Newman Profile
by Beth Newman

The Wallabies found themselves on the end of another England loss.

What are we talking about after that?

1. The pain continues

Australia’s poor run against England is now at its equal longest ever, with a run of five losses their worst since 2000-2003. For all of the progress Australia has made this season, that defeat will be particularly painful for the Wallabies. The worst part is they have to wait a whole year before earning another chance to play England, and try and topple their enemy. Meanwhile, England sits comfortably at world no. 2, awaiting the All Blacks in 2018.

2. Ref’s calls a killer for Cheika

The bounce of the ball went the way of England. Photo: Getty ImagesYou might make your own luck, but the Wallabies certainly didn’t have any fortune factories at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon. Two disallowed tries - first an offside call against Michael Hooper on a Tevita Kuridrani kick, after it seemed winger Marika Koroibete had gotten a foot to the ball on the way to the line. Then, when England had their own TMO moment, mere millimetres between the ball and the touch line meant Elliot Daly was awarded a try. Koroibete’s final dash for a try was cut off by a video review, after Stephen Moore was penalised for obstruction, though it appeared England's defenders were offside before that. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika could find himself in some hot water as well, fuming after the Hooper no-try, appearing to say ‘f******’ cheat', a moment that was shown by the broadcasters.

3. Coleman loss rubs salt into Wallabies’ wounds

When it comes to bad luck, Adam Coleman is beginning to take the cake in the injury stakes. Coleman had to watch on as the Wallabies went down to England, knowing he’ll be on a plane home this weekend for an operation on his thumb. The 26-year-old’s absence loomed large for the Wallabies, though his rookie replacement Blake Enever battled hard. Australia’s set piece struggled at times and England lock Joe Launchbury was named the man of the match for his influence. Ned Hanigan is also set to go home after suffering a knee injury, opening up the possibility for a tour addition in the final week.

4. Bench punishes Australia

The Wallabies looked like they were chipping away at England’s dominance in the second half at Twickenham, but the impact of the English reserves was the killer blow for Australia. Joe Marler was damaging in the scrums as England began to heap the pressure on in the set piece and replacement back Danny Care tore them apart in attack, before scoring a match-sealing try in the 82nd minute.

5. Kerevi takes another step

Samu Kerevi was well-beaten by England in his 2016 debut, but a year later he was one of Australia’s best on Sunday. The 23-year-old was generating momentum in attack as the Wallabies battled away, finishing with seven carries, 67 metres and beating five defenders. He was effective across the ground and added genuine spark for Australia. Kerevi has come a long way in 18 months and looks to finally be getting his confidence back.