These are grim times for Australia. Outfought and outthought at the fag-end of a trying season, their annus horribilis ended in dismal fashion. The numbers tell the story – six straight defeats by England, nine losses in 2018 and their worst calendar year for more than half a century. Michael Cheika had called for some Aussie swagger but the daggers will be out again after this.
Yes, they can feel aggrieved they were not awarded a penalty try on the stroke of half-time and they do deserve credit for taking advantage of England’s lapse in concentration towards the end of the first half. Israel Folau’s first try was a delight too but individual glimmers of brilliance do not mask deficiencies that clearly run deep. Cheika conceded England were worthy winners but did not hold back over the Farrell incident, describing the decision as “ludicrous”.
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