By HQ
July 4 2022

Despite two late tries England were beaten 30-28 by the Wallabies in their opening Test in Perth.   Tom Curry was the catalyst behind England's first penalty inside the opening five minutes, forcing a turnover on fly-half Noah Lolesio - who was promoted to start after Quade Cooper sustained an injury before the match - and Owen Farrell, back in the fold for the first time since November 2021, nudged the 30 metre kick to hand England a 0-3 lead.

England's Henry Arundell heads for the tryline during the rugby international between England and the Wallabies in Perth, Australia, Saturday, July 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Gary Day)

Eddie Jones' charges entered a period of set piece dominance, and rhythm in attack, as Marcus Smith and Farrell combined well to unlock Joe Cokanasiga and Jack Nowell out wide. A break from Curry on the 20 minute mark saw him scythe through the Aussie defence, and lift a pass into the onrushing Joe Marchant, who would have scored if not for a superb cover tackle courtesy of Marika Koroibete. A penalty from the resulting attacks enabled Farrell to momentarily extend the lead to 0-6, but Lolesio got one back for the Wallabies with an effort of his own moments later. 

The dynamic of the Test changed as half time approached - Jonny Hill was shown a yellow card, and Darcy Swain red for a head butt - and the hosts levelled on the stroke of half time, Lolesio bagging his second penalty from in front of the posts. Stats at the break highlighted how tight the Test was: England making 48 more metres, 12 more carries, and beating six more defenders. Whilst Australia boasted the greater share of possession (55%).

Full Report Here

Australia 30 - 28 England

Saturday 9 July - Australia vs England, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (11am BST KO)

Saturday 16 July - Australia vs England, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (11am BST KO)