Eddie Jones’ woes continued as England went down to a 30-28 defeat in Perth despite Australia being down to 14 men for more than half the game during an incident-packed first Test.
The Wallabies had second row Darcy Swain red carded for a headbutt in retaliation to hair-pulling from his opposite number Johnny Hill on 34 minutes, with the sides tied 6-6 at the break. England went in front through a try from prop Ellis Genge after the break, but the hosts hit back as replacement full-back Jordan Petaia went over.
Then, after Billy Vunipola was yellow carded for a shoulder to the head of Michael Hooper to make it 14-a-side, the Wallabies extended their advantage with a try from hooker Folau Fainga’a ahead of No 8 Pete Samu touching down to seal the outcome.
There were late consolation tries from English subs Henry Arundell and Jack van Poortvliet, but the game was gone by then.
It means the pressure will now increase on Jones on the back of his team having registered just two wins in both of the last two Six Nations.
This was Australia’s first victory over England since the 2015 World Cup and the first time Jones has lost to his homeland in his current job.
It was a hugely eventful encounter with the Wallabies having lost fly-half Quade Cooper in the warm-up and then a couple of other players in the first half, including a gruesome arm injury to full-back Tom Banks. The two sides will meet again next Saturday in the second Test at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
Read next:
- All Blacks star's 'sickening' challenge against Ireland sparks furore as officials stand accused
- South Africa v Wales exact scoreline predicted as prop needs 'game of his life'
- World-class' Wales giant emerges amid heroic late intervention
- 'He has a massive heart!' Springboks stars pick the Wales players they really rate
- Wayne Pivac reveals he hasn't slept properly for three months after what happened
- Wales team news v South Africa as George North and Dan Lydiate return with Tomas Francis left on the bench
