‘Always great to shut up critics’: Suaalii shines, Jorgensen scores stunning match-winner

The Wallabies have revealed silencing English critics provided part of the motivation for a powerful performance – and thrilling victory – at Twickenham, secured with a spectacular try from rookie winger Max Jorgensen after the final siren.

All eyes may have been on debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at the start of the game, but it was another wonderkid who proved the hero for the Wallabies in a see-saw finish.

After the lead changed hands three times in the last 10 minutes, England scored in the 78th minute and appeared to have had the last laugh.

But Australia had one restart and after an England error, a Len Ikitau offload helped free Jorgensen to burn down the left sideline and scored an 83rd-minute try. It was his first Test try.

The 42-37 victory was the Wallabies’ first at Twickenham since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and was just the second in 12 Tests against England since.

Jorgensen scores the match-winner.Credit: Getty Images

Suaalii was superb on debut, laying on a try assist for Tom Wright in the opening half and repeatedly winning the ball back from restarts, over a lifted Maro Itoje.

Suaalii was named man of the match by the hosts, but even the code-switcher would concede the award should have been a four-way split between the back row of Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and prop Angus Bell, whose power in contact took chunks out of England and laid the platform for the win. Ikitau would have had good claims, too.

“He [Suaalii] was strong. I thought he was really well supported by Lenny Ikitau. Lenny was outstanding. Even right at the end of the game he took the corner, drew the defender and released Max Jorgensen. Those two, they dovetailed pretty well,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.

“Joseph obviously got a few kickoffs back for us, he is an aerial freak. But at the same time it was a good learning experience for Joseph as well. I know there was some doubts about Joseph being selected and the risk. I think people would now see the opportunity of involving a young man like that.”

The performance, comfortably the best under Schmidt, was a mile away from the doldrums of last year, and was a huge confidence-booster for the Wallabies team, their long-suffering fans and certainly the vast machinery around British and Irish Lions tour, with some quietly fearing the Wallabies won’t be competitive next year.

Other English pundits have been more vocal about those fears, though, and after former England halfback Ben Youngs said on a podcast earlier in the year the Lions shouldn’t bother touring Australia, Youngs said last week about the Wallabies’ chances at Twickenham: “Australia, don’t waste my time.”

Young’s co-host, England prop Dan Cole, responded the quote would go up in Australia’s changeroom – and he was right.

“There has been a lot of negativity from English rugby to Australian rugby recently and for us to be able to win, and see our effort and what we have been putting in. To get that result, regardless of opposition and what we want to achieve this tour, is great,” Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight said.

“It’s always great to shut up critics right? Everyone did their job really well tonight. No one got let down or let their teammates down. We went out there and were able to achieve something we haven’t done for almost ten years, it was pretty special to be a part of it.”

England’s Marcus Smith looks dejected following the team’s defeat.Credit: Getty Images

The Wallabies led 20-18 after rallying well from a poor start and allowing England to race to a 15-3 lead by the 20th minute.

England flanker Chandler Cunningham-South scored twice within 11 minutes and with the rusty Wallabies playing like a team who’d not been on a field for a few months, the hosts had all the possession and territory.

Angus Bell on the charge at Twickenham.Credit: AP

But the Wallabies finally began to hold onto the ball, and Suaalii wasted little time introducing himself to the world by laying on the Australian’s first try. Following strong carrying from Bell and Valetini, the Wallabies began stressing the England wide defence and an outstep from Suaalii managed to draw two men, before he popped a basketball pass to Wright for an unchecked run to the line.

oseph-Aukuso Suaalii runs with the ball past Ollie Sleightholme of England.Credit: Getty Images

Australia were rolling now, and Tate McDermott laid on a second try in the 33rd minute for skipper Wilson. Lolesio’s extras were added and he kicked a penalty right on half-time to take the lead.

The Wallabies kept up their dominance in the second half, and a smart short lineout led to a third try. More strong carries had the England defence back peddling and saw Jeremy Williams charge to the corner and dive and score. The TMO reviewed a foot on the sideline but it was cleared.

When Lolesio nailed another penalty in the 52nd minute, the Wallabies led 28-18 but England rallied through Smith, and Ollie Sleightholme scored twice to regain the lead with ten minutes left.

A runaway try for Andrew Kellaway in the 75th minute put Australia back in front, but England answered again with a try to Itoje.

The Wallabies had more to say, however, and they kept their cool to score a winner deep in injury time, keeping the prospect of a Grand Slam alive for another week.

“It is up there,” Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa said.

“The only one out of that playing group in the change room who had beaten England at Twickenham was Slips. For the test of the group it was the first taste of victory here. It goes to show how hard it is to beat England at Twickenham.”

McReight said: “We have always had the belief for sure, and had the confidence. We just haven’t been able to string a full game together. We probably didn’t do that tonight but it was a step forward. It was electric out there. Twickenham turned it on.”

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