Humiliated by a 14-man Australia side last week, the Empire struck back in game two with an improved physical performance against a badly wounded and arhythmic Wallabies outfit. In Perth England’s streak of eight straight wins over the Wallabies was snapped. In Brisbane it was Australia’s fortress for 10 consecutive victories that was razed. The Ella-Mobbs series is square, the battle rolls on.
If an opening ceremony of didgeridoos, clapsticks and an anthem sung in the local Yugambeh language inspired the home team it didn’t show. England strolled on to the field but shot from the blocks. They bounced the Wallabies captain in the opening charge, concussed their full-back, crossed the stripe through Billy Vunipola, stole a lineout and slotted a penalty all within the first 10 minutes. It was a flurry of blows Australia – and for once, the Wallaby captain, Michael Hooper – never recovered from.
