London (AFP) – In bad shape in 2026, England reassured itself by easily defeating Australia on Sunday at Twickenham (45-22), offering itself a third improved victory in four days of the Nations Championship.

Published on: 08/11/2026 - 18:36

Led by Henry Pollock, who entered the game in the unusual position of winger and author of a shattering double, the English never trembled and repositioned themselves in second place in the Northern Hemisphere.

Weighed down by a record of five defeats in eight matches in 2026, they extinguished the Wallabies without any real solution, beaten for the third time in a row after two defeats against the All Blacks at the start of October and who are third in the Southern Hemisphere but now dropped by the New Zealanders and the Springboks.

With seven tries scored, the afternoon had to be perfect for the XV de la Rose, enhanced by the prowess of the extravagant Pollock on his wing.

But this entry into an unusual position for the Northampton player was anything but planned, and was forced by the injury to winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, untenable until the 32nd.

Pollock's celebrations

Victim of a pivoting tackle, now prohibited by the regulations and which earned prop Angus Bell a yellow card after viewing in the "bunker" by the video referees, the Exeter three-quarter continued limping before giving up his place at half-time.

The matter seemed already settled at that moment, the English showing themselves much more sharp and dominant. Jamie George and Joe Heyes completed long balls carried which left the Australians no chance (8th and 33rd), while Ollie Chessum finished a nice corner action well (26th).

An interception by Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen (40th) made it possible to maintain a semblance of suspense before half-time (19-10), but the English superiority was reflected in a superb first-hand movement sweeping the entire width to Pollock, before the ball returned to the arms of No.9 Jack van Poortvliet (43rd).

Pollock then scored a double, and the celebrations that went with it, in three minutes (55th and 57th). A way of confirming for this ultra-mobile third line that it is endowed with rare versatility.

In a wild end to the match, the Australians tried to reduce the gap through Daugunu (62nd) and Williams (74th) but exposed themselves as on this ball recovered by Spencer (76th).

Seven tries, 45 points scored and a convincing performance: the English are ready to continue against Japan next Saturday, while the Wallabies will go to Scotland on Sunday.

© 2026 AFP

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