England extended their winning streak to eight consecutive Test matches after securing a commanding 25-7 victory over Australia at Twickenham. Although not the most electrifying of encounters, the result was exactly what England needed to maintain momentum ahead of tougher November fixtures.
The hosts dominated most aspects of the game but were made to work hard for long periods before eventually pulling clear in the second half. Ben Earl opened the scoring with a sharp first-half try following fine work by Tom Roebuck and Sam Underhill. England appeared in control, but an intercepted pass from Fraser Dingwall handed the Wallabies a lifeline. Harry Potter pounced on the loose ball and sprinted 75 metres to score, briefly reducing the deficit and adding tension to an otherwise scrappy first half.
After the interval, England tightened their grip as their bench made a strong impact. The forwards increased the tempo, applying sustained pressure on a weary Australian pack. Henry Pollock, the 20-year-old rising star, proved the game’s turning point. Introduced midway through the second half, he capitalised on a deft Roebuck tap-down before sprinting clear to score from 30 metres. His pace and instinct lifted the crowd and effectively sealed the contest.
From there, England’s dominance grew. Scrum-half Alex Mitchell darted over for a try following sustained pressure, and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie marked his 50th cap by powering over from close range. The English replacements added fresh energy, ensuring the Wallabies were pinned back for most of the closing stages.
Australia, missing several key players including Will Skelton and Len Ikitau, struggled to match England’s physicality and depth. Their attack lacked cohesion, and despite flashes of skill from captain Harry Wilson and full-back Andrew Kellaway, they rarely threatened the English line in the second half.
The occasion carried emotional weight as former England captain Lewis Moody, recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease, presented the match ball before kickoff—a moment that resonated deeply with players and fans alike.
While this was not a classic performance, England’s composure, defensive discipline, and impact off the bench were key positives. With tougher opponents ahead, Steve Borthwick’s men will take confidence from another solid display and the emergence of Pollock as a potential future star.
