Nowell helps create history

By Mark Stevens at AAMI Park
18/6/2016

Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell was part of a heroic England defensive display as the Red Rose country earned their first series win in Australia with victory in the second Test at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Recalled to the starting line-up having been only a replacement in Brisbane the week previous, the Cornishman featured for the whole 80 minutes during an outstanding display from Eddie Jones’ side.

England started well as they took a 10-0 lead through Dylan Hartley’s converted try and a penalty from Owen Farrell. However, the Wallabies countered before the break with Stephen Moore’s touchdown, which was converted by Bernard Foley.

A second Farrell after the break stretched England’s lead to six points, before they had to survive relentless pressure from the Aussies.

To a man, however, the English stood firm and with time fast running out, they wrapped up a famous victory when Farrell claimed their second try, finishing off great approach work from replacements Jamie George and Courtney Lawes.

Saracens star Farrell slotted the extras to his own score, before putting the icing on the cake with a third penalty in the final minute.

Post-match, a delighted Jones challenged his team to now complete a clean sweep Down Under by winning the final Test match in Sydney next Saturday.

England’s victory, which saw them leapfrog their hosts into second place in the world rankings, is their highest placing since 2004. However, Jones is still wanting more and has urged his players to set their sights on emulating New Zealand.

“We want to be the best team in the world and we want to win the series 3-0,” said Jones, who remains unbeaten after eight matches in charge.

“If the All Blacks were in this situation now, what would they be thinking? They’d be thinking 3-0. If we want to be the best team in the world, we have to think 3-0. Being second in the rankings doesn’t feel good because we want to be first.”

Jones also hailed his side’s defensive display, which he likened to the strategy employed by Muhammad Ali in his fight with George Foreman

“We had to play rope-a-dope,” he added. “That was the sort of game we had to play. We had to be tactically flexible, as you do in Test rugby, and that’s why I’m so pleased for the team.

“We got an opportunity to score a try and we took it. That’s the sign of a good side. Australia will come back because they’re a well-coached, driven team, so we’re anticipating a feisty encounter in Sydney.”