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Australia versus England is always must-see viewing in most sports. There is a tremendous rivalry between the two nations.
The sides played out a pulsating and hard-fought match in Brisbane, with England victorious over Australia by 39-28 to take a 1-0 lead in this three Test series for the Cook Cup.
More of the wash-up from Wallabies vs England
» Eddie Jones – genius or madman?
» Pocock ruled out of series
» Match report: Eddie’s England too good
» DIY player ratings
» Roar Forum – what changes should the Wallabies make?
» Watch the full highlights
A superb opening to the Test season, this match was played at a high pace and skill level and provided plenty to discuss in the aftermath.
Here is what I believe are the five major talking points to come from this first Test.
1. Unforced errors are killers
Seems an obvious statement to make but incredibly pertinent to last night’s match. A couple of unforced errors proved pivotal turning points in the match.
After twenty minutes of play, the Wallabies were well on top of England, playing with speed and continuity that England were struggling to contend with and had already scored two tries to lead 10-0.
After winning a penalty, Bernard Foley failed to find touch then shortly after Israel Folau kicked out on the full, gifting England easy possession and field position.
This allowed England to regroup and start ticking the scoreboard over and robbed the Wallabies of the momentum they had started so brilliantly with. Another errant pass and fumble saw England score their only try of the first half and secure a lead of 19-13 at halftime, a lead which they didn’t relinquish for the rest of the game.
It is not my intention to isolate those two players in particular, they were both instrumental in getting the Wallabies off to a fast start in those first twenty minutes, but the unforced errors killed the Wallabies momentum and allowed England back into the contest.
2. Lineout
At the end of the match, the lineout stats read; Australia 9/10 and England 13/15 according to ESPN UK. They seem like reasonable reading, however they fail to tell the full story.
The Wallaby lineout started out fine, Mike Hooper even being used on one occasion. However, throughout the match they were constantly put under pressure.
Many of their wins were under pressure or slapped away from Nick Phipps at halfback. The Wallabies were constantly put on the back foot, conceding penalties on a couple of occasions.
In contrast, the English lineout was rarely under pressure, securing their own ball comfortably and able to launch with ease, their losses coming from their own poor execution.
It should be noted here that the Wallabies did lose their main lineout forward Rob Simmons to injury during the first half but regardless, it appeals as a major area of concern for Michael Cheika to address.
3. Has ‘Pooper’ been figured out?
The Wallaby pack was outmuscled last night in the collision area and the lack of effective ball carriers proved telling in the face of a vigorous English defence.
The English carried with aggression and for the majority they cleaned the rucks with ruthless efficiency. They were rarely isolated which raises the question – are the two open sides in Michael Hooper and David Pocock the best way forward for the Wallabies considering the remainder of this series and the opposition to come?
It certainly seemed the right choice while the Wallabies played with such pace and width in the opening stanza but as the match wore on and the grind was in full swing the Australian loose forwards were rendered ineffective for large periods.
These players certainly did not lack for effort, far from it and there will be questions too of the tight five who are also responsible for the collision areas but it seems the balance within the Australian pack is off and the English have plans in place to nullify the threat posed by two of Australia’s best.
Of course, there is the small issue of who exactly to bring in instead, if Cheika sees this as an issue to contemplate and overcome.
4. Maro Itoje
Had heard a lot about this young man through the grapevine, with Roarer RobC even remarking to me he is the ‘Air Jordan’ of rugby.
I was greatly looking forward to seeing this fellow in action and to understand the hype. Fair to say he did not disappoint.
His work rate is very impressive, he shifts bodies and is a constant, chirping menace in the lineout, his ball skills and handling are quite remarkable.
In the first twenty minute period when Australia were rampant, he seemed like a lone figure at times standing against the tide, several crucial turnovers saving his team from perhaps falling further behind during that whirlwind opening.
Staggering to think he is still only 21 years old. Hyperbole alert but I think this kid could be one of the greats and one to keep an eye on, both for the remainder of this series and the future.
5. Englands colonials
It was telling to me to see Eddie Jones and Glen Ella celebrating together in the English coaching box, Ella in a white English Jacket.
After the World Cup disappointment, it has been a remarkable turnaround for this English side with Jones as its catalyst.
The English side looked fit, well prepared and mentally very strong, overcoming the early onslaught to remain composed and work their way back into the match. If there was any concern or worry over the England’s side’s lack of success in Australia and never having won in Brisbane, it wasn’t showing.
It is hard not to imagine the Australian contingent played a significant part in this. Eddie Jones looks to have been a rather astute acquisition for the English rugby union.
Well, there are my five main talking points from this opening match and of course there are plenty more to discuss. Over to you Roarers, what were your major discussion points from this match?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.