Wallabies out of World Cup
England has proved to be the Wallabies nemesis yet again, beating Australia 12-10 in the Rugby World Cup quarter finals in Marseille.
Four years after defeating the Wallabies in the final, England were given little chance of beating Australia again, however the boot of fly-half Jonny Wilkinson again proved crucial.
Australia started spritely, setting up a penalty for Stirling Mortlock in the 5th minute. The skipper missed, however he made amends with a successful kick just two minutes later.
The English were true to form, playing the game in the middle at any opportunity. The Wallabies forwards were showing signs of clear frustration against a superior pack, culminating in two penalty conversions to Wilkinson. The radar of the England number 10 then went astray, missing two further attempts, as well as a drop goal.
In between Wilkinson’s unusual misses, the Wallabies created a rare chance with the ball. Australia pressed for several phases, albeit with a stunted and slow attack. Half George Gregan finally spread the ball to the right, with instant results. An overlap was created for Lote Tuqiri, who used his strength to stumble over in the 31st minute. His much publicised try scoring drought at the tournament coming to an end.
The Wallabies somehow went into the sheds leading 10-6, despite having being outplayed.
England were quick out of the blocks in the second half, dominating possession and field position. Centre Mike Catt dropped a pass with the line beckoning. Wilkinson added another penalty in the 52nd minute to reduce the gap to one point.
The defending world champions gave the Wallabies a lesson in scrummaging, with elements of today’s match resembling the shame of Twickenham two years ago, when the Wallabies scrum was dismantled.
A penalty out of a scrum in the 60th minute gifted Wilkinson his fourth penalty, and England the lead for the first time. The famed boot though was again off with seven minutes remaining, with another penalty missed.
Australia received a penalty of their own with three minutes remaining. Captain Mortlock attempted an audacious attempt from 48m on a tight angle. The kick was long enough, however it hooked away from the left upright.
In the final minute, prop Al Baxter was feebly tackled into touch, while one last chance saw the ball lost meekly. The final whistle brought scenes of jubilation, even tears.
“Very tight, physical battle. Unfortunately I missed a few goal kicks that were costly,” said Mortlock.
“It was a very stop start affair today. England nullified us in continuity.
“They were extremely physical, got a number of turnovers off us.
“We never got into a rhythm.”
The result marks the end of Gregan’s international career, as well as injured fly half Stephen Larkham. John Connolly’s reign as coach is also set to end.
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