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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Gerard Meagher at the Sydney Cricket Ground

England reveal Wallabies’ pre-match trash-talk fuelled win in deciding Test

Courtney Lawes lifts the Ella-Mobbs Cup.
Courtney Lawes lifts the Ella-Mobbs Cup after England won the series against Australia 2-1. Photograph: Jason McCawley/RFU/The RFU Collection/Getty Images

The England captain, Courtney Lawes, has revealed that Australia’s pre-match trash-talking provided the fuel to fire his side to a third Test victory and clinch the series against the Wallabies.

Tries from Freddie Steward and Marcus Smith helped England to a dogged 21-17 win in Sydney founded on a resolute defensive effort, most notably in the closing stages when Australia were threatening a late comeback.

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