England crushed great sporting rival Australia in cricket’s Ashes, clinching victory in August. Then Britain defeated Australia in tennis’ Davis Cup semifinals last month.
But there was no hat-trick at the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, as Australia routed England 33-13 at Twickenham in London to send the host crashing out of the competition at the group stage.
Clive Woodward, who masterminded England’s win over Australia in the final of the 2003 World Cup in Sydney, said the current version of the Wallabies weren’t the “brightest” bunch but the visitors had more than enough intelligence — and skill — to swat aside England.
And in fly-half Bernard Foley, Australia possessed a one-man wrecking crew: He accounted for 28 of Australia’s points.
“It is a bit of a dream come true,” Foley, who set a record for the most points scored by a non-England player at Twickenham, told Fox Australia.
Not even the presence of Prince Harry could lift England, which became the first full host not to surpass the first round. England will particularly rue last week’s 28-25 loss to injury-hit Wales after controlling much of the affair.
“As you (can) imagine the changing room is a very quiet place,” England captain Chris Robshaw said in a TV interview after the game. “We feel we let the country down today. As players we didn’t quite get there. We apologize to them. Australia played very well but we’re gutted.”
Australia and Wales, meanwhile, will battle for first place in Pool A, both holding perfect 3-0 records in the group of death.
Australia coach Michael Cheika refused to be embroiled in any mind games or verbal sparring, keeping a calm demeanor in the build up to the game.
The calmness spread to his players, who came out assured and immediately dictated proceedings — including the scrums.
“It probably hasn’t sunk in at all but it’s just so satisfying,” said Foley. “There was so much anticipation and the guys have put in so much hard work. To come out and show it on such a big stage and big occasion was very pleasing.”
Within four minutes, only a Mike Brown tackle prevented the two-time champion from registering a try, although Foley’s penalty in the eighth minute deservedly gave Australia a 3-0 advantage. Five minutes later Owen Farrell leveled but that was as good as it got for England in the first half.
Australia continued to probe and the speedy Foley dove over in the 22nd minute. It was 17-3 at the break when Foley exchanged passes with substitute Kurtley Beale and touched down.
Roared on at Twickenham by more than 80,000 fans, England must have worried Australia for a brief spell in the second half — the deficit was cut to 20-13 thanks largely to winger Anthony Watson’s try in the 56th.
But any hopes of a miraculous recovery evaporated when Farrell received a yellow in the 71st minute for an improper tackle.
Foley’s boot and a late Matt Giteau try sealed England’s miserable evening.
South Africa recovers
After being stunned by minnow Japan in its first game, South Africa has recovered nicely. The Springboks beat Samoa 46-6 and then on Saturday dispatched Scotland 34-16 to lead Pool B by a point over the Scots.
Japan, like South Africa and Scotland, is also 2-1 in the group after downing Samoa 26-5.