England overcame Australia 40-16 to reach the semi-final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Two first-half tries from Jonny May on his 50th cap helped establish a 17-9 half-time lead before a sensational score from Marika Koroibete brought the Wallabies to within a point.
But prop Kyle Sinckler smashed through from Owen Farrell’s flat pass as England regained control, the fly-half landing 20 points with his boot to crush Australian hopes before Anthony Watson applied the coup de grace with a late interception try.
Below, we run through our star men, underperformers and finally our England vs Australia player ratings.
Best Players:
England: Jonny May – Winning his 50th cap, the speedster scored two wonderful tries. He is immense and arguably the best winger in the world right now!
Watch the piece of ‘genius’ that set up Jonny May’s second try against Australia#RWC2019 #ENGvAUShttps://t.co/gzCGBVDezEpic.twitter.com/RjMv37vc4j
— i sport (@iPaperSport) October 19, 2019
Australia: Jordan Petaia – The 19-year-old looks the goods. He handled the occasion well and looked dangerous every time he got his hands on the ball, making 60 metres from his 12 carries.
On a rare bright note, how much joy is Petaia going to bring us over the next decade? #AUSvENG
— Lachlan Leeming (@LeemingLachie) October 19, 2019
Underperformers:
England: Elliot Daly – The fullback was by far his sides poorest player. His defence remains questionable, missing three tackles, conceding a penalty and giving up two turnovers. His attack was also nothing to write home about, making 10 metres from five unmemorable carries.
Elliot Daly is definitely being exposed today at full back, poor in the tackle and struggling to be able to make any positive impact. #ENGvAUS
— Jim Allen (@Jim_Allen1983) October 19, 2019
Australia: Reece Hodge – Returning from suspension the speedster looked far from his best. The Wallabies least effective carrier in the backs, he also missed two tackles and conceded two turnovers.
England vs Australia player ratings:
England: Elliot Daly 6, Anthony Watson 7, Henry Slade 7, Manu Tuilagi 7, Jonny May 8.5, Owen Farrell (c) 7.5, Ben Youngs 7, Billy Vunipola 7, Sam Underhill 8, Tom Curry 8.5, Courtney Lawes 7, Maro Itoje 7.5, Kyle Sinckler 8, Jamie George 7.5, Mako Vunipola 7.5.
Australia: Kurtley Beale 5.5, Reece Hodge 6, Jordan Petaia 7, Samu Kerevi 7, Marika Koroibete 6, Christian Lealiifano 6, Will Genia 6, Isi Naisarani 7, Michael Hooper (c) 6 , David Pocock 7, Rory Arnold 6, Izack Rodda 6, Allan Alaalatoa 7, Tolu Latu 6.5, Scott Sio 7.
Date: Saturday, October 19
Venue: Oita Stadium, Oita
Kick-off: 16:15 local (08:15 BST, 07:15 GMT)
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Mathieu Raynal (France)
Television match official: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)