England overcame an error-prone Australia 21-17 to win the July 2 series, a second success for northern hemisphere rugby after Ireland’s previous triumph over the All Blacks. Young guns Freddie Steward and Marcus Smith scored the tries and England’s side achieved the collapse as manager Eddie Jones masterminded a second straight victory over his country after 3-0 in 2016. Australia scored tries through Tom Wright and Folau Fainga’a in front of a crowd of 43,274 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but the hosts’ accuracy too often deserted them at crucial moments. Australia won the opening Test 30-28 in Perth, but England hit back with a 25-17 win in Brisbane to take the series in Saturday’s decider. Watch live reaction from the Australia vs England series decider below:

Australia vs England

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England withstand late pressure to seal victory over Australia in Sydney

England dug deep to complete a series win over Australia with a 21-17 victory in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground that saw towering rookies Freddie Steward and Tommy Freeman play starring roles. Eddie Jones’ tourists built a 21-10 lead through tries from Steward and Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell’s kick, but it began to crumble when Folau Fainga crossed in the 66th minute. But rather than fold as they did in the first Test, on this occasion England showed determination to keep the Wallabies out despite continued late pressure, with Luke Cowan-Dickie and Courtney Lawes combining to secure a crucial turnover late on .

England withstand late pressure to seal victory over Australia in Sydney

Luke Cowan-Dickie and Courtney Lawes combined to secure a crucial turnover late on as the Wallabies turned up the pressure. Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 1:25 p.m 1657974222

England beat Australia 21-17 in Sydney to take the series 2-1

And their manager Eddie Jones is next to speak on the Sky Sports microphone. “The big difference between the first and third Tests is that we kept fighting, we kept in the game. The defense of our finishers at the end was excellent and that got us the result. We stuck to it, it was difficult for us. The conditions weren’t ideal for rugby and we probably didn’t adapt as well as we could have. But we kept fighting, great effort from the leaders: Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes, Ellis Genge and Jack Nowell in particular. “I think it’s a really positive step. We’ve always felt the team is going in the right direction, but sometimes the results don’t reflect that. This is a young, inexperienced team, but to have that kind of experience is fantastic. “I think we are in a good position. We have to slowly keep improving. It’s like training a racehorse – we have to be at our best for the World Cup final.” Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 1:23 p.m 1657973875

And some more thoughts from Courtney Lawes, who enjoyed a great series

“It was tough. I was spent, well spent, and I think it really showed what it means to us to play for this team. We had a pretty tough start, both in the series and in this race, but we showed what we’re made of. “We didn’t go out the way we wanted. The message at half-time was to stick together. We did what we said we wanted to do, which was getting better every week. You learn a lot from games like this, even when you win. “We still have a lot to learn, don’t get me wrong. But when you can win a game like that when you haven’t really fired a shot, you show your guts. It’s great to come away with the win.” (Getty Images) Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 1:17 p.m 1657973634

Courtney Lawes lifts the Ella-Mobbs Cup

Asked to reflect on the series, the England captain said: “I want to say a massive thank you. They made us feel so welcome – credit to the Austrian team, what a challenge it was. We appreciate our fans and the Australian fans for creating such a great atmosphere.” Over Lawes marches towards his teammates, already in solemn formation behind the memorial banner. Holding the Ella-Mobbs trophy in one hand, Lawes lifts it high above his head as streamers fly. It was tough and at times grim, but if this is to be the last traditional summer tour, England are going out on a winning note. Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 1:13 p.m 1657973419

F/T: Australia 17-21 England

The SCG has emptied quickly as disappointed Aussie fans walk out into the Sydney night, but there are still a few watching the first presentation of the Ella-Mobbs Cup. Player of the series is a possibly confused Marika Koroibeti, who has swapped jerseys with Jack Nowell. Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 1:10 p.m 1657973239

Freddie Steward gives his immediate reaction after another fine performance

“Unbelievable,” the England full-back tells Sky Sports. “The boys dug in and fought and gave it their all. That was a proper Test match – it’s special. “It was an incredible experience. We’ve had a great time, we’ve got a great set of lads here and to get on a winning streak is fantastic. To come here and put on a show like this is pretty awesome. “It’s a great way to end the season. I’m looking forward to a great night with the kids.” Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 1:07 p.m 1657973083

F/T! Australia 17-21 England

Stretched, tight and far from settled, but in the end England come out on top in Sydney. From 1-0 down, they fought back to claim another series win in Australia, securing the inaugural Ella-Mobbs Cup. It’s a winning streak that will do a lot for the youngsters on the team, as well as some of the old guard. Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 1:04 p.m 1657972840

FULL TIME! AUSTRALIA 17-21 ENGLAND

(Getty Images)

Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 1:00 p.m 1657972778

Australia 17-21 England, 80 mins

Up Australia, get the ball back. But is he getting out of this mess? The scrum sounds like a tangle of bodies coming together, and although the scrum would be the Wallabies’, the referee’s whistle would signal the end of the run. England have stopped – take the series 2-1. Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 12:59 1657972705

Australia 17-21 England, 79 mins

There is new man Suliasi Vunivalu, but Owen Farrell has taken over. Samu Kerevi is everywhere, first on the top left and then on the right. But this is excellent from England captains old and new – Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes attack at a breakdown, Lawes hooks the ball back into the England side. Jack van Poortvliet almost breaks down the left with Henry Arundell in support but is tackled before he can let off a pass. Here comes Jack Willis – held above the line. Australia will have been abandoned by the goal line with time ticking towards the red… Harry Latham-Coyle July 16, 2022 12:58 p.m