England v Australia QBE International 17/11/12

England ran out onto the Twickenham turf in regal colours of purple and gold which set the scene for a right royal battle on the field.

QBE Autumn Internationals 2012

England v Australia

Twickenham 18/11/12

Cook Cup

England faced a much sterner test this week against the Wallabies, from the outset the game was about England's defence as Australia piled on the pressure but the first points went to England.   Danny Care put up a box kick high, Australia fell offside for a penalty and Toby Flood slotted the ball over for 3 points.   Australia continued to pressure England and after working down the field they slot over a drop goal to even up the match 3-3. The Wallabies were definitely up for this match after their defeat last week against the French

23mins in a quick tap from Waldrom for England sees Flood challenge the Wallaby defence and the visitors infringe at the ruck another 3 points for England 6-3.

Englands Toby Flood (right) is tackled by Michael Hooper of Australia - All Pictures Empics

Australia recycle the ball, Ben Tapuai goes though a gap for a try but it goes upstairs to the TMO - No Try England are very lucky.  England penalised for collapsing the scrum. Simple penalty chance for Australia and the game is even again 6-6.  The first 30-40 mins is all about defence and penalties, Australia infringe again and are clearly off their feet at the ruck. Flood with the sure penalty points 9-3.

The first try of the match came from the Australians who broke clear with Cummins going over the line but Barnes could not convert 9-11

Englands Manu Tuilagi runs in a try during the QBE International at Twickenham

England's try came from a Care quick tap penalty and then Barritt and Johnson combined to give Tuilagi a 30m run at the line.  Tuilagi is caught eight metres out by Barnes and Phipps but has the strength to take them with him and stretches for the line.  TMO involved again - Try given........... Toby misses the conversion  Aghhhhh  First Half  14-11

England let themselves down  with penalty after penalty plus their scrummaging does not live up to the chat quite frankly.!!  Once again England give a penalty away and Australia are even again 14-14.  Australia win the line-out and attack with pace inside the England 22 - Marler is caught offside and yet again another penalty chance to the Wallabies 14-17    Dear God same old England, will they ever learn?    And again for crying out loud 52mins penalty against England  14-20.

Well this game seems to be slipping away from England due to lack of discipline and the Australians showing them how to scrummage.  England appear to have woken up at last but they may have left it too late. 

Englands Chris Ashton goes for the gap

A brilliant take from Launchbury and Vunipola bashes his way through a defender, Ashton comes onto the ball at pace and goes for the line but he is brought down a yard short.   England looking better and seem to have a bit more urgency about them.  England win the line-out again, another maul and Waldrom bursts away for the line.  Once again the TMO involved - No Try.  Chance missed by England here.

61mins Replacements - on come Ben Youngs and Mike Brown for Care and Sharples. Prop James Slipper on for Robinson for the Wallabies.

66mins Yet another penalty against England this time Barnes misses 14-20

England trying very hard to get the try they need and passing up going for goal themselves, they may rue this.  England get to within five meters, Waldrom runs a brilliant line but is tackled a yard short. Australia power into the ruck and Palu turns the ball over for the Wallabies.

75mins England again get a penalty but kick for the corner to try and rumble over the line but it does not work.  Australia's Michael Hooper had an outstanding match Ben Alexander showed England how to scrum, all in all England were out gunned by a better side.

I had a feeling it would all end in tears this week after the euphoria of last week.   Against a better side and sterner test England will have to learn that penalties count dearly and that discipline is key at this level.

Honeymoon well and truly over Mr Lancaster, lots of work to do in my opinion.

FULL-TIME - England 14-20 Australia

England captain Chris Robshaw makes his way off after defeat