England recorded their eighth consecutive victory over the Wallabies at Twickenham on Saturday in a 32-15 win.
Freddie Steward’s try had put England into a narrow 16-12 half-time lead, with James O’Connor scoring all of Australia’s points from the tee.
That four-point lead remained midway through the second half with Owen Farrell and O’Connor trading penalties, before Australia’s ill-discipline gifted England more penalty chances and Jamie Blamire latched onto Sam Simmonds break to finish the game with a flourish for England.
Blamire’s try was a record-breaker for England, with the Newcastle Falcons hooker scoring his sixth England try in just his fourth cap.
Maro Itoje made his 50th England appearance against Australia, leading the team out in front of a packed Twickenham Stadium.
Itoje made his debut just five years ago and has played in almost every Test match since, becoming an essential part of the England side and winning three Six Nations Championships and reaching the World Cup final.
Marcus Smith made his first start of the Autumn Nations Series, and impressed, setting up Steward’s try and kicking goals for England once captain Farrell left the field with an ankle injury.
Smith received great reception throughout the match as he quickly becomes a fan favourite on just his fourth cap.
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It was a special day for several English players, including Raffi Quirke and Bevan Rodd, with the Sale duo making their Test debuts for England.
Rodd started at loosehead prop following the positive Covid-19 tests of Joe Marler and Ellis Genge, playing almost 70 minutes on his debut, whilst Quirke came off the bench with ten minutes to play to make his first cap.
Steward’s try in the first half was decisive in England’s win, in what he described as the best moment of his life.
The Leicester Tigers full-back scored his first England try in front of a packed house at Twickenham in what was only his fourth cap.
On the either side, London Irish prop Ollie Hoskins was also making his test debut, and there was a teary response from Hoskins when he found out he was in line to make his debut.
Here is that lovely moment when the Perth-born prop found out.
