Tense. Gripping. A proper Test match. Australia put England under the most pressure they have faced in a long time with a superb first-half performance but the Red Roses pulled away in the second half to seal top spot and a quarter-final against Scotland.
The victory was also England’s 30th in a row, equalling their own world record set at the last World Cup. The eventual 47-7 scoreline was not a true reflection of what a battle this final Pool A match was, with Jo Yapp’s Australia executing a successful kicking game to put the Red Roses under huge pressure in the opening half hour. England did not lead until the 33rd minute and Australia got some reward for their efforts, the result meaning they qualify for the last eight and a meeting with Canada.
