ENGLAND bounced and the Aussies skidded at Twickenham – but the visitors were left cursing their luck.
The Red Rose got the luck of the bounce and were fortunate the Aussies had a try disallowed, but Eddie Jones’ side were ruthless when it counted.
Elliot Daly grabbed England’s first in a bizarre and brilliant effort, before Jonathan Joseph crossed over with seven minutes remaining to continue their impressive record over the Aussies.
England have now won their last five.
With a London deluge working against both teams, neither side was able to put together sustained phases in the first-half.
Australia went close through skipper Michael Hooper but the TMO judged him offside after a neat kick through from Tevita Kuridrani.
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Hooper was sin binned soon after for two offsides in quick succession with England hammering Australia’s line – his eighth yellow in international rugby.
And just before half-time they went down to 13 men after full-back Kurtley Beale joined Hooper in the bin for a deliberate knock on.
England went in at the break 6-0 ahead thanks to two Owen Farrell penalties.
And they looked to make the man advantage count at the beginning of the second-half but were repelled after a thumping tackle from Marika Koroibete on Farrell close to the line.
The home side got their first try 13 minutes into the second-half, Daly latching on to George Ford’s cross-field kick which just stayed in, booting it infield to gather and cross over.
After a long deliberation, the try was finally awarded and Farrell added the conversion to put England 13-3 ahead.
Australia were nearly back in it with 10 minutes to go – Koroboiete scythed through England’s defence and was hauled down, but the TMO ruled an infringement by Hooper.
The ball was quickly recycled and the winger crashed over but Michael Cheika could not believe it was not awarded – and had a go at a fan as he marched down the stands toward the touchline.
And the Red Rose made them pay straight after through Joseph – he chased down a Danny Care kick to dot down and seal the victory for England.
Then the pace of the home side was put to full effect as May and Care touched down late on to put a huge gap between the two sides.
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