LONDON: England ended their November on a high as they produced an excellent performance to beat Australia 26-17 on Saturday but the Wallabies showed enough to suggest there will be nothing between the teams when they meet again in the World Cup.
England produced their best 40 minutes for a long time to lead 13-3 at halftime after a superbly-worked try for Ben Morgan and two penalties from George Ford, with their pack supremely dominant and the backs finally showing some real penetration. Ever-dangerous Australia hit back with a try by Bernard Foley, a huge England scrum gave number eight Morgan his second before Wallaby replacement Will Skelton replied again in an all-action second half.
Australia, already beaten by France and Ireland, continued to look dangerous but England defended well and, fittingly, a huge rolling maul set up Ford for the all-important 78th-minute penalty that made the game safe.
Meanwhile, Wales defeated southern hemisphere heavyweight South Africa 12-6.
Welsh celebrations were at odds with Springbok gloom. Among the World Cup favourites when they return to these shores next year, their northern hemisphere tour was marred by an apparent serious leg injury suffered by captain and centre Jean de Villiers.
It was only a second win for Wales in 28 games against the big three of New Zealand, Australia and the Springboks, and the first over South Africa since 1999 having lost their last 16 before yesterday’s triumph. AGENCIES
