When England lost to Australia at Twickenham in the World Cup only eight months ago the idea of beating the Aussies on their own soil in a test series for the first time couldn't have looked further away but Eddie Jones has performed miracles to change the fortunes of the 2003 world champions.
Last Saturday England came back from 10-0 down inside 20 minutes to lead 19-13 at half-time and go on to win 28-39 by the end of the match after changing tactics after that opening hammering.
One week later Jones changed his lineup with George Ford coming back into the number 10 shirt from the start and the result was once again a top performance from the man who's had a poor season for Bath. Alongside Owen Farrell at 12 England have found a very dangerous partnership that also defends immensely.
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And it was the 'd' word that was monumental for England as they won the second test 7-23 to grab their first ever series win 'Down Under' as Jones masterminded an incredible win against his home country with the third test still to come next week.
England came under pressure early but dealt with it and put together their own 10-0 lead after captain Dylan Hartley went over from a rolling maul and Owen Farrell added the conversion before making up for an early missed penalty with another three points.
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Hartley's opposite captain made it 7-10 at half-time before Farrell stretched the lead to six points not long after the restart. From there it was all about defence for the Red Rose with James Haskell and Chris Robshaw in particular making life for the Aussies camped inside the opposition's 22 really difficult.
England made 200 tackles, nearly four times as many as Michael Cheika's team, and every time Australia got a penalty they chose to kick for the corner only to be frustrated by a resolute England.
With many changes in the pack, after Robshaw had made a vital turnover on the try line, England remained fresh and late on replacement hooker Jamie George broke free after excellent work from another substitute, Courtney Laws, and hit a grubber kick towards the line. Farrell got on the end of it and over the line before adding the conversion for a 7-23 final score.
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Jones, who is yet to lose as England coach in eight matches, has already turned his attention to the third and final game next week and a series whitewash. If that were to follow their Grand Slam it will just leave them wishing it was a World Cup year...
Featured Image Credit:Topics:ย England, Rugby Union, Australia
