By Emma Thurston
Last Updated: 07/16/22 2:00 PM
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Highlights of the third and final Test between Australia and England in Sydney.
Highlights of the third and final Test between Australia and England in Sydney.
A spectacular second-half effort from Marcus Smith helped England to a 21-17 win in the deciding Test against Australia and win the series 2-1.
Smith used his excellent pace to run in from 55 meters after Jonny Hill had unsettled the Wallabies line and Noah Lolesio burst the ball midway through the second half. Owen Farrell’s conversion extended the tourists’ advantage to 21-10 with a quarter to go.
Folau Fainga’a’s try conversion sealed it to a four-point game but England held firm to complete a memorable final Test victory and comeback after a slow start in Sydney.
Jones’ side went 10-3 down early after a Tom Wright try and Lolesio’s start. Just before the interval, Freddie Steward’s five-pointer and Farrell’s spot-kick from the tee had started England’s comeback.
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Marcus Smith used his excellent pace to score a try out of nothing in Sydney
Marcus Smith used his excellent pace to score a try out of nothing in Sydney
“It’s a really positive step. We’ve always felt the team is going in the right direction and sometimes the results don’t reflect that,” Jones said after the full-time whistle.
“At the end of the game we had six players [on the field] with under 10 caps so this is a young and inexperienced team and to have that kind of experience is fantastic.
“They enjoy it, they understand how hard you have to fight to win a Test match, especially away from home.”
Danny Care, Ollie Chessum and Lewis Ludlam were all picked to start. Chessum and Ludlam replaced Maro Itoje and Sam Underhill, who were both ruled out with concussion. Attention came for Jack van Poortvliet who moved to the bench.
Dave Rennie made four changes to Australia’s starting XV. Harry Wilson started in the back row and Reece Hodge got the nod at fullback. James Slipper returned to the loosehead prop role and Nick Frost earned his first test start in the second row. Former rugby league star Suliasi Vunivalu was selected on the bench, ready to make his debut.
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Tom Wright ensured Australia took an early lead in the third Test
Tom Wright ensured Australia took an early lead in the third Test
At the Sydney Cricket Ground, the first points came after 18 minutes from the boot of Farrell as the England center punished Australia for not leaving.
He also capitalized on early Wallabies inaccuracy after Noah Lolesio’s penalty try went wide and Reece Hodge connected with a try-creating pass.
Australia settled things and crossed the whitewash after 24 minutes.
Marika Koroibet pounced on Keir’s attempted tackle in midfield, before Nick White and Tom Wright timed a perfect one-two. After Wright had gone over, Lolessio added the conversion and another penalty for a 10-3 lead.
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Eddie Jones stuck Danny Keir on for Jack van Portvliet before the half-time whistle
Eddie Jones stuck Danny Keir on for Jack van Portvliet before the half-time whistle
England continued to work with little space or possession for the rest of the half. Farrell added three more points before Jones decided to replace Keir on 86 innings with Jack van Portvliet.
Shortly after, England made the most of their first real field position, working wide through Tommy Freeman and Steward.
Farrell was unable to convert and both teams went to their dressing rooms with a lot to think about – with England holding on to an 11-10 lead.
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Freddie Steward’s late try took the lead away from Australia before the break
Freddie Steward’s late try took the lead away from Australia before the break
Ellis Zheng set up the England stable at the start of the second half and signaled their intent with a series of snaps to break the line. When the penalty arrived, Farrell rewarded his teammate for a 14-10 lead.
Australia – Tests: Wright (24), Fainga (66). Cons: Lolesio (25, 67). Pen: Lolesio (30).
England – Tries: Steward (40), Smith (54). Cons: Farrell (55). Pen: Farrell (18, 33, 49).
Smith’s magic arrived five minutes later. First, Hill’s pressure on the lineout dislodged the ball before Lolesio attempted to intercept it and clear the proceedings. Instead, Lolesio made it worse with a bang.
The England batsman hit it and Smith set his sights firmly on the line. Three Wallabies took up the chase, with another coming in from the left of the park, but Smith’s speed and running lines overwhelmed them all.
Farrell’s conversion gave England a significant breathing space at 21-10 in front.
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Folau Fainga’a was fed after a period of sustained pressure
Folau Fainga’a was fed after a period of sustained pressure
As was the case in the second Test, a tense finish unfolded with the Wallabies piling on the pressure. England’s resistance finally broke and Fainga’a finished.
The conversion increased the pressure further, a final rearguard effort ended England’s tour on the right note and secured a brave victory and a memorable 2-1 series result.
