Rugby VAVEL

England claim historic series whitewash after beating Australia 44-40 in Sydney

England completed a 3-0 series whitewash against Australia after winning 44-40 in a barnstorming affair in Sydney

England claim historic series whitewash after beating Australia 44-40 in Sydney
England celebrate winning the Cook Cup (image via: star.com)
tom-hiscott
By Tom Hiscott

England claimed a historic series whitewash in Australia, after coming out on top in an epic final Test match in Sydney

Eddie Jones' side scored four tries to Australia's five in the 44-40 victory, with Owen Farrell accumulating 24 points from the kicking tee. 

Having claimed their first ever series victory on Australian soil last week in Melbourne, the third Test victory has extended Jones' his winning run as England boss to nine matches. 

Hosts shade opening half after England fly out of the blocks

Chasing the perfect tour, England started like a house on fire at the Allianz Stadium and took an early lead after Dan Cole crashed over from close range following a break from fellow prop Mako Vunipola

The home side then fought back and a break down the left wing saw Bernard Foley race away to equal the game, before winger Dane Haylett-Petty grabbed the lead after being sent over in the corner. 

Mike Brown scores England's second try (image via: Guardian)

At the sign of trouble, Jones made an early change taking off Teimana Harrison for Courtney Lawes who's abrasive work in the close quarters ended up making a huge difference to the overall outcome of the game. 

It was then England's turn to hit back, and they did so through full-back Mike Brown who collected Anthony Watson's chip before stretching over the line under pressure from two Wallaby defenders as England went in 18-17 down at the break. 

Super-sub George strikes again as England claim whitewash

In a mirror image of the first half, England were the fastest starters early on after the break, and they re-took the lead when Billy Vunipola crashed over from the back of a five-metre scrum which came after a mistake at the Australian lineup. 

Farrell added his second penalty of the afternoon, before Australia had their best patch of the game scoring two tries in the space of five minutes through Waratahs pair Michael Hooper and Israel Folau

The right boot of Farrell kept England in touch with two more penalties, before replacement hooker Jamie George scored the tourists fourth try, diving on the loose ball after it had ricocheted off his left leg close to the line. 

England celebrate Jamie George's try (image via: mirror.co.uk)

The imperial Farrell took the score past 40 with two more penalties, meaning Taqele Naiyaravoro's injury time try was nothing more than consolation. 

The four point win means England have now won a Grand Slam and 3-0 series victory in Australia under Eddie Jones following on from last year's World Cup failure, with the future seemingly bright in English rugby.