England thrash Australia at Twickenham
England produced their most impressive display of Martin Johnson's tenure with a stunning 35-18 victory over Australia.
Two tries from Northampton winger Chris Ashton and some clinical kicking from fly-half Toby Flood sealed England a memorable win in the Investec autumn internationals.
Johnson made just one change from the side that lost against New Zealand last weekend, and had tipped the Wallabies to provide even tougher competition. However, the England head coach called on his players to avoid another sluggish opening, and his starting XV duly obliged.
The impressive Flood got England off the mark with an early penalty, before Ashton crossed the line for the first try of the afternoon. A neat offload from Tom Croft found the pacy winger, who crashed through two Australian tacklers to put the hosts 8-0 ahead.
Flood then put England into double figures with the conversion, as Johnson's side began to dominate proceedings at HQ.
Australia looked a shadow of the team which put Wales to the sword last weekend, but managed to pull six points back before the interval as England led 16-6 at half-time.
Many might have predicted the visitors to mount a second-half comeback given their recent performances, but England continued going from strength to strength.
Flood had extended England's advantage to 13 points after scoring another penalty, but the afternoon will be remembered for a stunning length-of-the-pitch try from the devastating Ashton.
Lock Tom Palmer forced a turnover, allowing Courtney Lawes to break down the right. His pass to teammate Ashton allowed the winger to storm 90-metres for a try which will live long in the memory of every England supporter.
Kurtley Beale pulled two tries back to set up a tense finale, but England, inspired by the likes of Ben Youngs and Mark Cueto, held on to their lead with tremendous grit and determination.
The reliable Flood scored two more late penalties to ensure that England lifted the Cook Cup by producing arguably their finest display since the famous 2003 World Cup final in Sydney.
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