Max Jorgensen scored a try in the fourth minute of added time to earn Australia a 42-37 win over England in a classic test match featuring an eye-catching rugby debut by code-hopper Joseph Sua’ali’i at Twickenham on Saturday.
Maro Itoje looked to have secured England an 11th victory in its last 12 meetings with Australia with a converted 79th-minute try, only to knock the ball on at the restart to give the Wallabies a final chance with the clock in the red.
After seven phases, Jorgensen ran onto Len Ikitau’s offload and ran through from 40 meters to dive over in the left corner and seal a memorable win at the start of its first Grand Slam tour of Britain and Ireland in eight years.
England has never scored so many points and lost at Twickenham, with this latest setback coming after a 24-22 reverse against New Zealand last weekend.
Each team scored five tries in a breathless encounter that might be most memorable for a seamless transition to the 15-man code by the 21-year-old Sua’ali’i, who was playing his first professional game of rugby union after switching from rugby league last month.
He set up one try with a deft offload over a defender and showcased his supreme athleticism to vindicate Australia coach Joe Schmidt’s decision to throw him into the team straight away.
It was Australia’s first win at Twickenham since the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
England player ratings vs Australia
George Furbank
Failed to make anything like the impression off Australia’s have-a-go backs. Disappointing. 6
Manny Feyi-Waboso
Never got going after early HIA. Forced off by head knock trying to prevent Australia’s third try. 5
Ollie Lawrence
Eclipsed by remarkable debut from opposite number and Wallaby new boy Joseph Suaalii. 5
Henry Slade
At fault for try which sparked Aussie recovery when blitzing out of line. 5
Tommy Freeman
Again not as prominent as he would wish, will be envious of two-try club mate Sleightholme. 5
Marcus Smith
Fought a lone battle in creativity department, conjuring at least four England tries with his magic. 9
Ben Spencer
Steady but will be annoyed he could not do more to prevent tries by Wilson and Williams. 5
Ellis Genge
Showed well with ball and enjoyed assist for Cunningham-South’s second try. But not enough. 6
Jamie George (capt)
Cut frustrated figure as England let slip early lead and will know he now has job to life team. 5
Will Stuart
Part of a pack outshone by opponents who started game as 13-point underdogs. 5
Maro Itoje
Last-gasp try but was also outjumped by Suaalii when he was the only one being lifted. 6
George Martin
Showed well early but England need more from their enforcer to arrest this slump. 5
Chandler Cunningham-South
Two tries in first 13 minutes, to back up his big-hit display against All Blacks. A real find. 7
Tom Curry
Game ended early after getting tackle badly wrong on Rob Valetini and being helped off with concussion symptoms. 5
Ben Earl
As busy as ever but not involved in the big moments on this occasion. 5
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie 5 (George, 51), Fin Baxter 5 (Genge 62), Dan Cole 5 (Stuart 70), Nick Isiekwe 6 (Martin 60), Alex Dombrandt 5 (T Curry 23), Harry Randall 4 (Spencer 62), George Ford 4 (Furbank 62), Ollie Sleightholme 8 (Feyi-Waboso 21-31, Lawrence 35, Feyi-Waboso 51).
Australia player ratings
Tom Wright 8
Andrew Kellaway 8
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 9
Len Ikitau 8
Dylan Pietsch 7
Noah Lolesio 7
Jake Gordon 7
Angus Bell 8
Matt Faessler 7
Taniela Tupou 7
Nick Frost 7
Jeremy Williams 8
Rob Valetini 8
Fraser McReight 8
Harry Wilson (capt) 7
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Faessler 60), James Slipper (Bell 71), Allan Alaalatoa (Tupou 45), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Williams 60), Langi Gleeson (Wilson 65), Tate McDermott (Gordon 33-41, Gordon 64), Ben Donaldson (Lolesio 71), Max Jorgensen (Pietsch 49).
Man of the match: Joseph Suaalii – First ever pro game of union. Simply sensational.
Att: 81,329