NewsBite

Australia v England: Live coverage of Wallabies’ 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final

Soul searching begins as ruthless England send Wallabies packing from Rugby World Cup.

Wayne Smith
20 min read
4:31PMOctober 19, 2019.
Updated 11:06AMOctober 20, 2019
Print
England’s scrum-half Ben Youngs looks to pass during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between England and Australia at the Oita Stadium in Oita. Picture: AFP
England’s scrum-half Ben Youngs looks to pass during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between England and Australia at the Oita Stadium in Oita. Picture: AFP

ENGLAND 40 (May 2, K Sinckler, Watson tries, Farrell 4 conversions, 4 penalties) defeated AUSTRALIA 16 (Koroibete try, Lealiifano conversion, 3 penalties)

As suddenly as switching off the lights, Australian rugby was plunged back into darkness as England — smarter, more clinical — scored an imposing 40-16 victory over the Wallabies in the World Cup quarter-final at Oita Stadium.

The Michael Cheika-era ended as it was always predicted it would, with fuzzy plans and slipshod execution, his final defeat leaving him with a winning record of precisely 50 per cent. For all the passion he brought to the Wallabies coaching job, he brought no real order to their game, no tight framework they could fall back onto when England began to apply the screws.

Cheika, who had spoken earlier this year that he would stand down as Wallabies coach if Australia did not win the World Cup, hedged his bets when asked if he would hand his resignation to Rugby Australia.

“If you appreciate the time frame, why ask the question?” said Cheika to a journalist who attempted to ask him as gently as possible what his plans were. “When the time comes, I’ll tell them. They don’t need to know today. It’s not going to kill them.

“I’m feeling very disappointed. I imagine all Australians would be. We really went into the game looking to play our style of footy, which we did a lot of. Just not clinical enough to finish off opportunites and they defended very well. Sometimes you just have to suck that up and wear it., That’s life. Disappointed. I just want to thank all our fans, we’ve had great support here and at home, they really got behind us. I feel that weight. We should have delivered for them.”

Owen Farrell, the England captain, turned on a masterclass at five-eighth, having a role in three of England’s tries and generously contributing 20 points individually to the tally with an eight-from-eight goalkicking display. Certainly he had no lack of support, with lock Maro Itoje proving yet again what a class player he was while the two Kamikaze Kids, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill, held their own against the idols, David Pocock and Michael Hooper.

The win means England will now meet the winner of NZ and Ireland while for Australia it is the end of the road, the third time they have been eliminated at the quarter-final stage, every time by England.

The Wallabies enjoyed 63 per cent possession but the final try-count was 4-1 in England’s favour and while it might be said that they had their share of luck with two of them, the fact was that if you make enough opportunities, eventually some of them pay off.

The statistics told the story of how Australia won the battle and utterly lost the war. They gained twice as many metres as England in this match (568 to 273), twice as many carries (151 to 71), they beat more defenders (21 to 12) and made more clean breaks (8 to 7).

But they lost it in the fine detail, as Eddie Jones always suspected they would, conceding 18 turnovers to England’s eight and making 12 handling errors to England’s five.

Australia play the highest ball-in-hand game in world rugby while England kick the most. It’s not how much ball you get, it’s what you do with it.

The Wallabies were devastated at fulltime, several of the players slumped to the pitch. Young prop Taniela Tupou was in tears and while it has to be said that Australia gave its all in this match, the longer the game went on, the more the England team’s superiority shone through.

Still, they had their heroes. None shone as much as left winger Marika Koriobete who scored one try and would have had another but for a forward pass while 19-year-old Jordan Petaia fully justified the selectors’ faith in him by playing a storming game.

Yet this was the final hurrah for an Australian side that many believed was capable of achieving far more than it did. For Pocock and halfback Will Genia, this was the end of the line as far as Test football is concerned, so too prop Sekope Kepu who wasn’t suited up tonight.

Locks Rory Arnold and Adam Coleman are heading overseas and so too centre Samu Kerevi and Christian Lealiifano, all of them ineligible to continue their Test careers until they return to Australia and sign for a domestic Super Rugby club. Of the players who have indicated they will be plying their trade overseas next year, only five-eighth Bernard Foley has reached the Giteau Law threshold.

Test centurions Adam Ashley-Cooper and Rob Simmons are both expected to make themselves available for the Waratahs in 2020 but it remains to be seen if they have any more Tests left in them.

Now comes the act of replacing Michael Cheika as coach. New Zealander Dave Rennie is the only name being spoken of but if Rugby Australia refuses to consider a young Australian coach like Dan McKellar, there is one other Australian who may be interested.

His is not a name many in Australian rugby would be comfortable with — Eddie Jones. The expectation is that he may be ready to move on after four years at the helm of the England side, although the Rugby Football Union would surely now be reluctant to let him go. He is a combative character and arguably a divisive one but no-one can ever fault the quality of his preparation.

Still, he goes through coaching assistants and backroom staff like no other national head coach in world rugby but if Rugby Australia is intent of rebuilding the Wallabies brand, it could hardly do better than to sit down with Jones and sound him out.

Wayne Smith 8.07pm: All over for Wallabies

Australia knocks on at the lineout and it’s all starting to slowly unravel. England takes a scrum and gets the penalty as the new Australian front-row of James Slipper, hooker Jordan Uelese and Taniela Tupou comes unglued. England set up the driving maul, walk ahead and Australia collapses. Another England penalty. Here’s where the shortcomings of the Wallabies are being bare. England are just playing with Australia now, outsmarting them at every turn.

Owen Farrell kicks the goal, his fourth, to give him a personal tally of 18 points for the game, putting England in front by 33-16.

And just to drive home the point, England scores an intercept try as the Wallabies try to run it from their own tryline. Kurtley Beale throws an absolute shocker of a pass which hangs in the air forever and Marika Koriobete can do nothing but wait for it. Anthony Watson doesn’t wait, however, and sprints through, catches it easily and cantering over for the easiest of tries. Farrell does what he does and the scoreline blows out to 40-16.

Just when it looked like the Wallabies had finished with a consolation try, the TMO has disallowed Koriobete’s stunning try for an earlier forward pass. No real arguments. It was.

Final scrum of the match now. Australia gave it everything but this English side played them off a break. And Lukhan Salakai-Loto knocks the ball on cold and that it that.

FULL-TIME: ENGLAND 40-16 WALLABIES

Wayne Smith 7.49pm: Wallabies can’t take a trick

How big a blow was that? Number eight Isi Naisarani took the ball into the teeth of the England defence at the height of the battle and is stripped of possession just one metre from the tryline. It’s heartbreaking as the Wallabies are forced back 40m and then Will Genia knocks on at the base of the ruck.

It’s all starting to unravel for the Wallabies now. Tolu Latu throws an ambitious pass which is intercepted and while the Australians cover the danger immediately, they are forced back on their line in desperate defence. England halfback Ben Youngs dives for the corner off the back of a lineout drive but has the ball shaken from his grasp by Nic White who has come on for Genia.

Still, the referee was playing advantage and Owen Farrell decides discretion is the better part of valour and decides to take the kick at goal rather than go for the corner. He’s winning this Test all by himself as the kick goes over and now Australia are two converted tries behind with 15 minutes remaining.

ENGLAND 30-16 WALLABIES

Wayne Smith 7.36pm: Wallabies under the pump

Now we have a ball-game. Reece Hodge links into the backline and throws a delightful pass out to Jordan Petaia who shapes to pass to Michael Hooper on the outside but instead gives the pass to Marika Koriobete on the fly and Australia scores its first try in the 42nd minute. And with Christian Lealiifano’s conversion it’s a one-point ball game, 17-16.

Sadly not for long as Owen Farrell, playing the mastermind tonight, slipping a delayed — and perhaps forward — pass to tighthead Kyle Sinckler and the lumbering prop is able to stroll the final 20m for a try virtually untouched. Farrell converts and then a few minutes later helps himself to a penalty goal as the Wallabies’ scrum goes to sleep and within the blink of an eye its 27-16 and beginning to slip away from Australia.

That’s the signal for Lealiifano to take his exit as Matt Toomua comes on and he brings good luck as Rory Arnold steals a lineout at the front. The Australians attack in midfield, get a penalty and decide this is it — they kick for the corner finishing 12m out. They bungle the lineout and the forwards are intent on smashing their way through. Finally Petaia has a dash and is just corralled. Referee Jerome Garces brings the play back for a penalty so close to the uprights that Will Genia could throw it over ... but instead, they opt for a scrum.

Daniel Sankey 7.21pm: TRY! Wallabies back in it

Take a bow, Jordan Petaia! The 19-year-old Wallabies outside centre takes advantage of a beautiful long pass from Reece Hodge to put Marika Koroibete into space with a short pass on the inside. Koroibete takes full advantage, charging over for a Wallabies try that’s converted by Christian Lealiifano.

ENGLAND 17-16 WALLABIES

Wayne Smith 7.16pm: Things looking ominous for Wallabies

An engrossing if rather ominous first half for Australia. They certainly had sufficient ball and they have created at least two definite try-scoring opportunities but there is just a lack of slickness about these Wallabies. Too many times the ball-carrier is left unsupported and play inevitably breaks down.

England by contrast had two chances and took them both, testing the Australians wide on the right flank before bringing the ball back briskly, forwards interchanging with backs as five-eighth Owen Farrell gave the pass out to flanker Tom Cutty for the first Jonny May try and then Farrell laying on a neat kick-ahead for May to score again.

What’s especially annoying is that Australia looks to be establishing a minor degree of scrum ascendancy, which so far has earned them three points. Hopefully they can further exploit that advantage in the second half when James Slipper and Taniela Tupou come on.

Jordan Petaia has put in an excellent first half, his first 40 minutes against a Tier One nation and at outside centre and there is no question the Wallabies have unearthed a true star for the future.

England so far have left Kurtley Beale “unbombed” at the back, giving him plenty of scope to counter-attack. Certainly more should have come of the Wallabies fullback’s clean break up the middle and certainly Eddie Jones would have breathed a sigh of relief when that Australian raid was snuffed out.

But for all that, it’s not quite happening for the Australians but that can change if they can strike first in the second half. Certainly that is when they have been doing all their damage at this tournament and it’s significant that while all their team-mates are in the sheds during the halftime break, halves Nic White and Matt Toomua are out on the ground, honing their skills. If the Wallabies are to come back today, they surely will play a big part in it.

ENGLAND 17-WALLABIES 9

Wayne Smith 7.03pm: England on top at halftime

Here’s the sight all Australia wants to see — Samu Kerevi in full flight. Almost. Caught from behind. That was the first real sign of the England defence having problems. It gets scrappy and referee Jerome Garces rules an Australian scrum 12m out. Australian backline all lined left, will they take it right?

Penalty Australia. Now what? A kick to the corner. No, Michael Hooper indicates the posts. There is only a minute left in the half and a successful goal will narrow the gap to eight points going into halftime break. Christian Lealiifano takes his time and ... slots the goal.

HALFTIME: ENGLAND 17-9 WALLABIES

Wayne Smith 6.55pm: England take control

It takes England only seven minutes to respond with a brilliant try. Having showed spectacular hands to give Anthony Watson a chance to show his skills. The Australians finally shut him down but the ball is swung left and the Wallabies are struggling in defence as Owen Farrell combined with flanker Tom Curry to put winger Jonny May over in the corner. Farrell kicks a blinder from touch.

ENGLAND 7-3 WALLABIES

Australia immediately hit baclk in attack but David Pocock passes to ... Farrell, who immediately sprints upfield. Just as Marika Koriobete is about to tackle him, he grubbers a deftly weighted kick to his left and May helps himself to another try within three minutes. And again Farrell kicks a pearl from touch as England sprint ahead 14-3.

ENGLAND 14-3 WALLABIES

Again the Australians surge and are threatening to score when England — very much in All Black mode — deliberately go offside straight in front of their posts. Christian Lealiifano kicks the goal but it is going to be a long afternoon if England resort to those tactics.

ENGLAND 14-6 WALLABIES

Suddenly the flow of refereeing decisions is going against Australia. Lealiifano is penaliSed at the ruck, allowing Farrell to continue his goalkicking exhibition while referee Jerome Garces goes to his knees to detect an Australian knock-on. It’s an England scrum in centerfield 40m out but once senses that it has to be Australia which scores next. The Wallabies are driving their fans to distraction by trying to run the ball out in front of their own posts but finally sanity prevails and Will Genia fires a pass back to Kurtley Beale who clears.

Daniel Sankey 6.40pm: England’s double hit

Just when the Wallabies looked to be in control, the match has turned on its head. An intercept and then a well--worked play give England two tries — and the Wallabies are on the back foot.

ENGLAND 14-3 WALLABIES

Wayne Smith 6.33pm: Wallabies into the zone

Here come the teams, Michael Hooper at the head of the Aussies, Will Genia at the rear. The Japanese have such a stirring way to introduce the players to the pitch as the war drums pump up the adrenalin. The little English girl who has come out with the teams looks a little lost and goes over and tugs at Owen Farrell to hold his hand. Which he does, as God Saves the Queen beats out.

Jordan Petaia doesn’t stand beside his “cousin” Matt Toomua as Advance Australia Fair is played but rather beside his Queensland team-mate Lukhan Salakai-Loto. At the end, they exchange hugs. And it’s surprisingly Reece Hodge who kicks off, straight down the middle of the field. The English don’t waste time testing out Petaia who takes the high ball with aplomb and then gets back to his feet quickly because he’s needed to carry the ball forward — which he does in style.

Australia dominates possession early but it’s England who scores the moral victory when Christian Lealiifano knocks on. But from the first scrum it’s a short-arm to Australia as Kyle Sinckler infringes. Australia opts for the scrum and Jerome Garces proves he’s even-handed by now giving England a short-arm penalty.

The ball bobbles loose in the England three-quarter line and Lealiifano pounces on it, immediately releasing Kurtley Beale who breaks straight through. The moment calls for one of his trademark chip-and-chases as he approaches fullback Elliot Daly but curiously he elects to run it. He is brought down but halfback Will Genia fires a long pass out to Sio, who juggles it but at the same time is tackled high. Penalty Australia in front of the posts and Lealiifano obliges.

ENGLAND 0-3 AUSTRALIA

Daniel Sankey 6.30pm: Wallabies put points on board

It’s taken 12 minutes, but the Wallabies have been able to take advantage of their early territorial advantage. Christian Lealiifano makes no mistake with an early penalty goal attempt and the Wallabies lead 3-0.

ENGLAND 0-3 WALLABIES

Daniel Sankey 6.20pm: Promising start for Wallabies

If you were wondering whether 19-year-old Jordan Petaia was up to a starting role at inside cetnre for the Wallabies in a World Cup quarter-final, his first couple of minutes woule have settled your nerves.

Petaia’s already broken a tackle and put England’s defence in two minds in the first couple of minutes in this match. The Wallabies’ first attacking foray ended in an error, but the England defence has already been tested — Petaia playing a key role.

We’re 3 minutes in and it’s still 0-0, but the Wallabies are pressing.

ENGLAND 0-0 AUSTRALIA

Daniel Sankey 6.05pm: England hot favourites

The bookies only see one winner in tonight’s Rugby World Cup 2019 quarter-final between the Wallabies and England ... and unfortunately for us Aussies, it’s not us. The TAB has England as $1.32 head to head favourites, with the Wallabies at the prohibitive odds of $3.45.

Wayne Smith 5pm: History counts for nothing in this one

There are grey skies overhead, not that the weather will have any impact on today’s World Cup quarter-final between Australia and England, played as it is under the dome of Oita Stadium.

The bookmakers have installed England as firm favorites for the match which is hardly surprising given that Eddie Jones has won his last six encounters with Michael Cheika’s Australian side. Still, as the Wallabies keep saying, that history counts for nothing when it is 15 v 15 under the roof this evening.

There are no discernible weaknesses in the England team but there are a couple of elements in the Wallabies’ game that give cause for mild concern. Curiously, outside centre is not one of them, despite the fact that Jordan Petaia is playing in only his third Test, his first against a Tier One nation and his first in the position. There is just something in the way he carries himself, confident but not cocky, which suggests he can make this a day to remember.

Goalkicking, too, shapes as a vital part of the equation. England are spectacularly served in this department by their captain Owen Farrell who may be the best goalkicker the world has seen since Jonny Wilkinson. Indeed, there are moments when one wonders whether Farrell may have surpassed the England hero of 2003. Australia will rely on Christian Lealiifano, who is more than capable of returning a clean slate off the kicking tee. There is, however, the possibility that things could go awry which explains why Reece Hodge has been upping his kicking practice in recent days.

The first thing playmakers do when they enter the Oita Stadium is to see if they can hit the roof with one of their kicks. We’ve not seen it yet but it’s a fair bet that Farrell and halfback Ben Youngs will be attempting to bounce garryowens off the dome to put pressure on Kurtley Beale.

The Australian fullback is a wonderful attacking threat but he is no Israel Folau – or even Dane Haylett-Petty – when it comes to taking the high ball. He didn’t drop any yesterday during the captain’s run but there was certainly a bit of bobble ball on display – and that was when Beale stayed on the ground. It will be hearts-in-mouth time every time a kick goes up but if he can handle the bombardment, he could ignite the Australian counter-attack.

Rarely over the past two decades has it been possible to talk of an Australia-England Test without dwelling on the upcoming scrum battle. Not so much this time, with the Wallabies scrum – and especially the front-row of Allan Alaalatoa, Tolu Latu and Scott Sio - having taken such talk large;ly out of the equation. It’s unlikely the Australians will dominate up front but they should be able to control their own ball and give halves Will Genia and Christian Lealiifano something to work with.

The lineout, too, has been a strength for Australia at this tournament, with Rory Arnold, Isi Naisarani and Izack Rodda but they certainly are up against some formidable opponents in Maroi Itoje, Courtney Lawes and Tom Curry. There will be questions asked of both sides.

What can’t be anticipated is whether the two sides will complete today’s match without one or more players sent to the sin bin or worse. It has been a torrid tournament in terms of discipline, with even the mildest of players falling foul of referees and Television Match Officials (TMOs) and it really has become a lottery. Still, the one thing that should be noted is that the Wallabies have had little success in managing referees.

Australia has been blessed with all the support it has had at this tournament and there is a huge army of Wallabies fans in gold jersies queueing up for this match. But the only country that has a bigger supports base here in Japan is England, with whole battalions of white-shirted fans just itching to sing “Sweet Chariot”.

That will be the telling pointer, how quiet Australia can keep its fans. They have failed miserably to get off to a good start in virtually all their pool matches but, as George Gregan pointed out, the Wallabies have no more excuses – they have to strike early and apply scoreboard pressure or England could run away with this game at the death. But that’s been the trend of clashes between these two arch-rivals at the World Cup – on the three occasions (out of six) that England has won, the victory margin has been no more than three points.

Yes, England are favorite and deservedly so. But the feeling is that the Wallabies are well-prepared, focused and have selected just about their best side.

Now comes the moment of truth.

4.30pm: Nerves? Hooper has a few

Australia captain Michael Hooper admitted to nerves ahead of tonight’s blockbuster World Cup quarter-final against England but promised the Wallabies would come out firing — despite poor omens.

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper. Picture: Getty Images
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper. Picture: Getty Images

A six-game winning streak against their fierce rivals augurs well for England coming into Saturday’s showdown in Oita, particularly as the Australians have been slow starters in Japan.

However, Hooper believes Australia are capable of ripping up the form book.

“We haven’t been looking at what’s been and gone,” said the star flanker, set to win his 99th cap.

“The opportunities that this game presents against these guys — that’s what we’ve been focusing on, what we can get out of our game and to keep delivering that across the 80 minutes.

“We’ve been looking forward all week,” he added. “Not at previous fixtures against these blokes.”

Asked if he still got butterflies, Hooper smiled: “Yeah I’m nervous — but that’s good, it means you care. You feel alive, you feel ready to go.”

Christian Lealiifano is tackled by Kurtley Beale during the Wallabies Captain's Run ahead of their 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England at Oita Stadium. Picture: Getty Images
Christian Lealiifano is tackled by Kurtley Beale during the Wallabies Captain's Run ahead of their 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England at Oita Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Hooper insisted the Australians would not panic if England hit the front early, after they gave Fiji a head-start and spotted Wales a 15-point half-time advantage that the Wallabies failed to overturn.

“But being worried is not going to get us anywhere,” he shrugged. “Being worried would put us into our shell, being worried would not allow us to play the game we want to play. It’s not about being worried — it’s about being assertive.”

Hooper, who forms one half of Australia’s famed, ball-scavenging “Pooper” combo alongside David Pocock, plans to strike a blow for the ‘golden oldies’ in the battle of the breakdown against England’s Tom Curry and Sam Underhill.

England back row forwards (from left) Lewis Ludlam, Billy Vunipola, Sam Underhill and Tom Curry. Picture: Getty Images
England back row forwards (from left) Lewis Ludlam, Billy Vunipola, Sam Underhill and Tom Curry. Picture: Getty Images

“I look old,” joked Hooper, asked about England’s hungry young pups. “I don’t know if I feel old. It’s going to be a good battle. Obviously we’ve done our work on them — I think they’re great players,” added the 27-year-old.

“As far as experience goes, yeah it’s great to have it, but being youthful is also a benefit. I’ve been in their shoes before — wide-eyed, you’re ready to attack things.”

4.15pm: How the teams line up

Australia coach Michael Cheika has taken a gamble by picking teen sensation Jordan Petaia at outside centre but Hooper tipped the 19-year-old to have a big impact, despite making just two starts for his country — both on the wing.

“For Jordan, what an opportunity,” he said. “He’s been very impressive in the games so far with the fairly limited amount of ball he has got. If that’s anything to go by, playing at 13 he’s going to get more of that — he could be pretty impressive there tomorrow.”

How the teams line up tonight.
How the teams line up tonight.

England, who became the first World Cup hosts to fail to reach the knockout stage in 2015, have had two weeks to prepare after their last pool game against France was washed out by a violent typhoon that left more than 70 people dead.

But when asked if he thought England could be a little undercooked, Wallabies captain Michael Hooper gave the hopeful journalist a withering look.

“You can assume anything,” he said. “You can make up any story you want, but tomorrow is a complete unknown — we’re feeling good, we’re ready for tomorrow, ready for 4.15pm (6.15pm AEDT).”

Jordan Petaia, 19, will line up at outside centre for the Wallabies tonight. Picture: Getty Images
Jordan Petaia, 19, will line up at outside centre for the Wallabies tonight. Picture: Getty Images

4pm: How old enemies have fared in Cups

A look back at England vs. Australia matches in Rugby World Cup history:

1987 SYDNEY: Australia 19, England 6
Trailing only 6-0 in a hard-fought pool match, England leveled through a Mike Harrison converted try at Concord Oval. The Wallabies reclaimed the lead with a controversial David Campese try in the 50th minute. He placed the ball on the knee of opposite Rory Underwood but referee Keith Lawrence awarded the try. Simon Poidevin’s try put the result beyond doubt.

England fullback Jon Webb, right, is tackled by Wallabies no.15 Roger Gould during the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Picture: AP
England fullback Jon Webb, right, is tackled by Wallabies no.15 Roger Gould during the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Picture: AP

-

1991 LONDON: Australia 12, England 6
Chastened by a 40-15 thrashing in Sydney four months earlier, England naively changed tactics for the final from an effective 10-man game to razzle-dazzle. Australia’s defense was frazzled, with John Eales making a try-saving tackle on Rob Andrew, and David Campese making a contentious slap-down of a pass meant for Rory Underwood that conceded a penalty and not the penalty try England wanted. The only try was given to prop Tony Daly from a maul off a Willie Ofahengaue lineout take. Australia won its first Rugby World Cup crown.

Australian captain Nick Farr-Jones (left) and teammate David Campese raise the Webb Ellis Cup after the Wallabies’ victory over England in the 1991 Rugby World Cup final. Picture: AFP
Australian captain Nick Farr-Jones (left) and teammate David Campese raise the Webb Ellis Cup after the Wallabies’ victory over England in the 1991 Rugby World Cup final. Picture: AFP

-

1995 CAPE TOWN: England 25, Australia 22
England’s Rob Andrew and Australia’s Michael Lynagh matched each other off the tee in this thrilling quarterfinal at Newlands, each slotting five penalties and a conversion. They were finally separated in the second minute of injury time by Andrew’s dropped goal from 45 metres off a lineout win. It marked England’s first win over Australia in the southern hemisphere. Campese somehow walked onto the England bus afterward and endured some razzing.

Tim Horan (left) comes in to assist Wallabies team mates George Gregan (no.9) and Michael Lynagh as they tackle England player Ben Clarke during their 1995 Rugby World Cup match. Picture: File
Tim Horan (left) comes in to assist Wallabies team mates George Gregan (no.9) and Michael Lynagh as they tackle England player Ben Clarke during their 1995 Rugby World Cup match. Picture: File

-

2003 SYDNEY: England 20, Australia 17 after extra time
England overcame an early Lote Tuqiri try with a Jason Robinson try and three Jonny Wilkinson penalties to lead this dramatic final 14-5. Australia rallied through Elton Flatley’s penalties to level in the last minute of regulation. In extra time, penalties were traded and England missed two dropped goal attempts. Finally, in the 100th and last minute, Wilkinson’s dropped goal from 28 metres earned England a first Rugby World Cup title.

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson nails a drop goal during the Rugby World Cup final against Australia in Sydney. Picture: AFP
England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson nails a drop goal during the Rugby World Cup final against Australia in Sydney. Picture: AFP

-

2007 MARSEILLE: England 12, Australia 10
Australia, the odds-on favorite, led this quarter-final at halftime 10-6. But the Wallabies couldn’t handle England’s emerging forward power, notably loosehead prop Andrew Sheridan, and began backpedaling. Jonny Wilkinson kicked his side ahead with his third and fourth penalties. Australia’s Stirling Mortlock missed a late penalty attempt from the touchline, and England incredibly held out for a shocking win.

Wallabies Dan Vickerman (behind) and Matt Giteau come to terms with their loss to England at Marseilles in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Picture: AP
Wallabies Dan Vickerman (behind) and Matt Giteau come to terms with their loss to England at Marseilles in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Picture: AP

-

2015 LONDON: Australia 33, England 13
Australia hammered the nail in England’s coffin by condemning it as the first tournament host to fail to reach the knockout stage. England rallied from 20-3 down early in the second half to within seven, but Owen Farrell’s yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Matt Giteau unraveled the home side. Bernard Foley, in a 28-point haul, added two penalties and converted a try by Giteau to complete Australia’s biggest winning margin against England at Twickenham.

England players celebrate as the Wallabies come to terms with defeat after thir 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Oita Stadium. Picture: AFP
England players celebrate as the Wallabies come to terms with defeat after thir 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Oita Stadium. Picture: AFP

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/rugby-union/australia-v-england-live-coverage-of-wallabies-2019-rugby-world-cup-quarterfinal/news-story/c9d22f0856fca51920da2d101779cb92