Former halfback Ben Youngs provided the ammunition – “Australia, don’t waste my time” – and the Wallabies didn’t miss.
Max Jorgensen provided the highlights reel for every Australian to wake up and feel good about the game once again, but the win was built off the back of their forward pack: Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams and Angus Bell were incredible.
They weren’t alone with Brumbies pair Tom Wright and Len Ikitau magnificent, while the Wallabies’ new poster boy Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii justified Joe Schmidt’s ballsy decision with a performance that helped change the narrative of the game Down Under.
So how did the players rate?
Tom Wright – 9.5
A Test to remember for the Wallabies fullback.
Wright was beaten in the air on a couple of occasions, but what the 27-year-old did in attack was special. He created space for others (Dylan Pietsch in the 16th minute) but he also made two phenomenal linebreaks (45th and 52nd minute) which transferred the pressure onto England.
Andrew Kellaway – 8
The experienced back three man scored what looked like being a match-winning try when he streaked away from the England chasers after the home side’s attack broke down.
Kellaway probed away well in close quarters and was another calm head in an incredible comeback.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 9
Has there been a debut like it for the Wallabies? Well, yes, Israel Folau against the Lions in 2013. Suaalii didn’t get on the scoresheet like Folau did in Brisbane 11 years ago but he played a huge role in their stunning upset.
Indeed, Suaalii won the ball back off Noah Lolesio kick restarts on three occasions (7th, 31st and 41st minutes). His mid-flight tap back to Tom Wright in the second half was special.
Suaalii had spiders on him the first half, and threw the final pass ahead of Wright’s opening try.
There was one error in attack as he mistimed his run with Wright and spilled the ball on his 22 metre line in the first half.
Len Ikitau puts Max Jorgensen away for a match-winning try against England at Twickenham on November 09, 2024 in London. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Len Ikitau – 9.5
Ikitau has long been considered the glue of the Wallabies’ backline and one of the side’s best players, but against England he delivered the type of performance that won him respect on the international stage.
Without a recognised midfield partner Ikitau was superb on both sides of the ball. He made his tackles, carried the ball well and delivered an offload from the Gods to send Jorgensen into score for the match-winning try.
Earlier, Ikitau was pinged for sealing off his feet in the 18th minute. Replays showed it should have been a penalty against England centre Ollie Lawrence for losing his feet first.
Dylan Pietsch – 7
Dangerous during his 47-minute performance, Pietsch found plenty of space and looked threatening with every touch.
Noah Lolesio – 8
He might not have had the highlights reel of Marcus Smith, but Lolesio played a strong hand in the Wallabies’ stunning win.
The 24-year-old ran the ball more and more in the second half and his kicking game in general play and from the tee was first class.
With performances like that, Schmidt doesn’t have an option but to stick with the Brumbies playmaker.
Jake Gordon – 7
Another operator who barely put a step wrong. Gordon was forced to the blood bin in the latter stages of the first half but returned in the second half and continued to provide fine service. The No.9 isn’t going anywhere despite Tate McDermott’s superb day off the bench.
Harry Wilson – 8
Combined spectacularly with McDermott to score the Wallabies’ second try. Wilson had a stronger outing on both sides of the ball. His decision to rush out of the line in defend forced an error from the home side and the Wallabies turned the screws on England.
The Wallabies skipper was forced off in the 65th minute after copping a heavy hit in defence. Will he be available for the Wales Test?
Fraser McReight – 8
Another strong evening. McReight made his presence felt on both sides of the ball. He won penalties in defence and his thumping hit on Lawrence in the eighth minute announced the Wallabies’ late arrival at Twickenham.
Rob Valetini – 9.5
Once again the Wallabies’ barometer. The back-to-back John Eales Medallist set the tone physically and was thunderous on both sides of the ball. He ran over Tom Curry (40th minute), bumped away George Martin (50th minute) and put a huge shot on Luke Cowan-Dickie in the (55th minute). By doing so he continually put the Wallabies on the front-foot and made a statement to the world that his side are no easybeats.
Jeremy Williams – 9
The lock’s best performance in gold. Williams was a tower of strength and poise for the Wallabies, ensuring their restarts were safe and clean. The first year Wallaby’s try was a stunning put down for a big man, too.
Nick Frost – 8
A busy evening, Frost was industrious and got through an 80-minute shift. It was a step up. The second-rower continually offered himself as a ball-carrier and he made his presence felt.
Taniela Tupou – 4.5
The only Wallaby who struggled. Tupou got pinged twice at the scrum , made two errors in attack and missed a crucial tackle on Smith in the 11th minute ahead of England’s second try. There was no faulting Tupou’s effort (look at his effort to force the ball loose from Ben Spencer in the 2nd minute) but it was one of those evenings for the giant prop.
Matt Faessler – 8
Faultless on both sides of the ball, Faessler’s lineout was first-class.
Angus Bell – 9.5
Seventy-one minutes of brilliant, tireless effort. Bell sat down Curry in the 22nd minute, carried all evening and played a pivotal role in the Wallabies’ breakthrough win at Twickenham.
Angus Bell was immense for the Wallabies during their five-point win over England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Reserves
Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 6.5
One lost lineout in the 62nd minute, but Paenga-Amosa played his part in the Wallabies’ final strike play win as his quick hands helped set up Jorgensen.
James Slipper – N/A
Came on late for Bell, but was a level head and ensured the Wallabies won their at the breakdown in the final stages.
Allan Alaalatoa – 8
Strong on both sides of the ball and helped shore up the scrum.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 5
Gave away a clumsy penalty for changing his line on the retreat from a box kick.
Max Jorgensen celebrates mid-air during his match-winning try against England on November 09, 2024 in London. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Langi Gleeson – 5.5
Came on late for Wilson but didn’t put a step wrong.
Tate McDermott – 8.5
A brilliant cameo. McDermott played the role Danny Care did for years at Twickenham and turned the game on its head with his two darts in a minute in the 34th minute after coming on for Gordon. The probing halfback saw a lazy defender (Martin) and pinned the ears back. His work under pressure in the final stages can’t be understated either.
Ben Donaldson – N/A
Came on in the final ten minutes but was magnificent. A thumping kick, two conversions and some nice hands ahead of Jorgensen’s try.
Max Jorgensen – 8
Helped prevent a try in the 67th minute and then scored the match-winner in the 84th minute. Jorgensen’s name is one we’ll continue to say for years to come.
