After an impressive victory by the Wallabies last weekend, England had to come out firing this week. Out firing they came.
The atmosphere was electric, gee'd up by the pre-game chant of "Aussie Aussie Aussie", the game was never going to disappoint.
Within 5 minutes, Billy Vunipola went trundling over off the back of a powerful rolling maul. Owen Farrell added the extras, before adding extra upon extra.
By the 32nd minute, England had found themselves 0-19 up with the overwhelming majority of possession in their favour. Like the Australian commentators said; “if you don’t have the ball it’s b***** hard to win”.
The home side's hope was restored come the 36th minute, however. Taniela Tupou, the bulldozing prop smashed through a couple of flailing English defenders to touch down for their first try of the game.
With just 12 points in it at the end of the first half, it was still all to play for.
The second half started much the way the first did, with the English on the front foot. Owen Farrell added another 3 points to his side's total.
The Wallabies were by no means done, Samu Kerevi the ever-dangerous wing was allowed an easy run-in after Taniela Tupou once again tied up half the white shirts with another barnstorming run.
A sin-binned Marcus Smith allowed Australia to put yet more pressure on the English. Another penalty from young fly-half, Noah Lolesi, put Australia back within just 5 points of their test visitors.
It was not to be for the Aussie's though. England had one more trick up their sleeve. A superb free-flowing play from their own 22 saw Farrell boot the ball wide to Jack Nowell. Nowell used his immense feet to step 3 players and get the ball deep into the Australian half.
From there the pressure told, Australia conceded another penalty which allowed Farrell to put through the final of his 20-point tally.
The match finished 17-25 to England.
Exciting times ahead for the decider next week in Sydney!
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