Features

Tough test ahead for England

Author: John Harris
Date: 06/11/2009
Rugby Union betting

Martin Johnson's injury-hit England side start their autumn international programme with a meeting with sportsbook favourites Australia at Twickenham this weekend.

With Argentina and New Zealand also on the agenda for England in the coming weeks, the progress made under Johnson will come under close scrutiny.

Can England see off Australia at Twickenham? - Latest Rugby Union Betting

Traditionally England have struggled to make their mark against the southern hemisphere sides, with last year's three internationals all ending in comprehensive defeats.

A 39-13 victory over the Pacific Islanders started last autumn off in encouraging style, with England running in five tries, including two for Paul Sackey, while Danny Cipriani scored 19 points in a fine individual display.

However, a week later Australia proved to be much tougher opponents and left Twickenham with a 28-14 victory.

The tourists led by just a single point at the interval, but the accurate boot of Matt Giteau and a later converted try from Adam Ashley-Cooper ensured that the Wallabies proved to be far too strong for their hosts.

A week further on and things got even worse for England as world champions South Africa ran riot at Twickenham, recording a superb 42-6 victory.

England's only points came from two Cipriani penalties, while the Springboks crossed five times in a devastating display.

They led 20-6 at the interval thanks to converted tries from Danie Rossouw and Ruan Pienaar, with the latter landing the extras on both occasions, as well as booting two penalties.

After the restart Pienaar landed another penalty, while tries from Adrian Jacobs and Jacque Fourie were both converted.

The final nail in the England coffin came right at the death as flying winger Bryan Habana dived over in the corner to show just how wide the gulf between the northern and southern hemispheres had become.

There was still more misery for England to endure seven days later when the All Blacks arrived at Twickenham to complete an unwanted treble for their hosts.

Again England failed to score a try, while New Zealand ran in three scores, with outside-half Dan Carter adding 17 points with the boot.

Yet again the game was close at half-time, when England trailed 12-3, but the All Blacks then turned on the power and the style.

Mils Muliaina scored two tries, before Ma'a Nonu also touched down at the home of English rugby.

Head coach Johnson was able to restore some pride with a creditable showing in the following Six Nations tournament, when England won three and lost two, with their losses narrow ones away to Wales and eventual champions Ireland.

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