England have sealed a Test series victory over Australia with a 21-17 triumph in the deciding Test in Sydney on Saturday.
Despite trailing towards half time, an 18-point surge put England in control before Eddie Jones's team withstood the pressure which came their way during the closing quarter of yet another absorbing contest.
Having levelled the series last weekend, England had the momentum heading into the decider, but it was Australia who had the better of the opening stages in Sydney.
However, the Wallabies twice squandered opportunities to run in an early try during the first 15 minutes, a sign of the pressure that both teams were feeling while participating in a colossal fixture
England eventually opened the scoring - Owen Farrell converting a penalty - but Australia finally got a try on the board with 25 minutes on the clock, Tom Wright touching down in the corner to finish off a fine team move.
The two teams traded penalties, leaving Australia with a 10-6 advantage, but England managed to get their noses in front at half time after Freddie Steward powered his way over the line having been picked out by Jack van Poortvliet.
What a piece of magic! Marcus Smith grabs England's second try ✨#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/8u7cea6Fm1
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 16, 2022
Like they did at the start of the match, Australia had the better of the first exchanges after the restart, although it was not enough to prevent England going four points clear thanks to another Farrell kick.
That lead became 11 points in the 55th minute as Marcus Smith capitalised on an Australia mistake to surge clear and post a try under the posts, the subsequent conversion being a formality.
England entered the final quarter with that advantage still intact but the deficit was soon reduced to four, Folau Fainga'a the man to record the try after a period of pressure from the hosts.
Aware that another Australia try may prove enough to win the game, England had to find a balance between defence and attack, and it was the resilience of Jones's men that ultimately paid off.
England crucially won a penalty with three minutes left, enabling them to get up the pitch, and an interception to repel another Australia attack with 60 seconds remaining on the clock effectively ended the game and series as a contest before the final whistle was greeted by jubilant scenes from England and their travelling support.
Darren Plant
