England 37-42 Australia: Max Jorgensen’s late try snatches dramatic victory for Wallabies in Autumn Nations Series

England 37-42 Australia: Max Jorgensen’s Late Try Snatches Dramatic Victory for Wallabies in Autumn Nations Series

In one of the most thrilling finishes of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, Australia managed to hold off England with a dramatic last-minute try from young talent Max Jorgensen to clinch a 42-37 victory. The match was a spectacle of high drama, fluctuating momentum, and emotional highs and lows, drawing the packed Allianz Stadium crowd into a fever pitch as the final moments ticked away. The match not only showcased the brilliance of individual players but also illustrated the resilience and fighting spirit of both teams as they battled in an encounter that lived up to all expectations.

This match marked another chapter in the storied rivalry between England and Australia, two teams that have faced each other in some of the most memorable moments in rugby history. With the stakes high and both teams looking to build momentum heading into the World Cup year, the intensity was palpable throughout the game.

Pre-Match Context and Team News

Heading into the match, England and Australia were coming off contrasting results in the Autumn Nations Series. England, under head coach Steve Borthwick, had shown a renewed focus on discipline and structure, though they were still attempting to find their best form after a mixed performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Despite some criticism of their playing style, Borthwick’s side had shown promise with strong defensive performances, though questions remained about their ability to break down top-level opposition.

On the other hand, Australia, led by Eddie Jones, was in the middle of a transitional phase after a turbulent World Cup campaign. Following the departure of long-time coach Dave Rennie and the arrival of Jones for his second stint as Wallabies coach, the team was looking to rediscover its attacking flair and reinstate its place among rugby’s elite. While there was an undeniable sense of potential within the Australian squad, consistency had been a problem, and the Wallabies’ new-look team was eager to prove its worth on the international stage.

Both teams were fielding a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent, and it was clear from the outset that the contest would be a battle of contrasting styles. England, with their structured, methodical approach, would look to dominate possession and control territory, while Australia, known for their explosive backline and free-flowing attack, sought to play at a high tempo and exploit any gaps in England’s defensive line.

First Half: England’s Domination and Australia’s Response

From the kick-off, England quickly took control of the game, establishing dominance in the scrums and executing their game plan with precision. The English forwards were relentless, pressuring Australia at the breakdowns and creating a platform for their backs to capitalize on. It didn’t take long for England to open the scoring, as they put together a series of well-worked phases that ended with fly-half Marcus Smith slotting a penalty goal from a tight angle, giving his side an early 3-0 lead.

Australia, however, was not content to sit back, and they quickly found their rhythm in attack. Full-back Tom Wright and wing Mark Nawaqanitawase were both dangerous with ball in hand, causing problems for England’s defense. Despite the Wallabies’ attacking intent, it was England who struck next, with a try from center Joe Marchant. Marchant found a gap in the Australian defensive line, exploiting a missed tackle to power over the line for a try under the posts, which Smith easily converted to stretch England’s lead to 10 points at 10-0.

The try seemed to spark something in Australia, and they responded in kind with their first try of the match. Following a strong scrum deep in English territory, Australia spread the ball quickly to the wing, where Nawaqanitawase’s quick feet and sharp decision-making saw him break through England’s defensive line and dive over for a try. The conversion by fly-half Bernard Foley brought the score to 10-7, signaling that this would be no ordinary contest.

The remainder of the first half saw both teams exchange points. England extended their lead with another penalty from Smith, but Australia quickly came back with a penalty of their own from Foley. As the match wore on, both teams began to showcase their attacking strengths, with England’s powerful forward play and Australia’s lightning-fast backline creating moments of brilliance and tension.

With just minutes left in the half, Australia scored a stunning try that would be remembered as one of the best of the game. A powerful lineout drive set up a maul near England’s try line, and after several phases, scrum-half Tate McDermott darted over from close range to give the Wallabies a narrow 17-13 lead. Foley added the conversion, and Australia went into the halftime break with a 19-13 advantage, much to the delight of their fans.

Second Half: England’s Fightback and the Wallabies’ Resilience

The second half began with England looking to reassert control of the game. The introduction of fresh legs, including the impactful Ben Youngs at scrum-half, added a new dimension to their play. Early in the second half, England came out swinging, and it was not long before they regained the lead with two tries in quick succession. The first came from Maro Itoje, who demonstrated his incredible athleticism in the lineout, soaring above the Australian defenders to claim a high ball. Itoje’s clean take set up a driving maul that marched the Wallabies back, and after a few phases, the ball was shifted wide for Smith to create an overlap. Smith’s deft pass found Ollie Lawrence, who powered over for the try. Smith converted, putting England ahead 20-19.

Barely two minutes later, England were over the line again, this time through their captain, Courtney Lawes. Following a period of sustained pressure, England’s forwards surged towards the Australian try line, and Lawes, as always, proved his value as a ball-carrier by barging through two Wallabies defenders to score. Smith’s conversion put England up 27-19, and for a brief moment, it appeared as though they were on course to secure the victory.

However, Australia wasn’t done yet, and their response was swift. The Wallabies once again found their attacking rhythm, and it was their rising star, Max Jorgensen, who would prove to be the key player in the final moments of the game. After a series of phases, the Wallabies spread the ball wide, and Jorgensen, who had come off the bench as a replacement for Wright, received a quick pass on the wing. With England’s defense stretched, the young winger showed remarkable pace and composure to beat his opposite number, scoring a try in the corner. Foley’s tricky conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the score was now 27-24 in England’s favor, setting up a nail-biting final 20 minutes.

What followed was an extraordinary exchange of tries. England responded with a penalty from Smith, pushing their lead to 30-24. But Australia was relentless, and just moments later, they hit back with a try from winger Marika Koroibete. A perfectly timed offload from center Len Ikitau put Koroibete into space, and he powered over to score. Foley’s conversion was successful, and the Wallabies had now taken a 31-30 lead.

The back-and-forth continued as both teams pressed hard for a decisive blow. England regained the lead with another Smith penalty, pushing them ahead 33-31. However, the match’s real drama was still to come.

With the clock ticking down, the game reached a fever pitch. Australia had possession deep in English territory, and after a few phases of forward pressure, the ball was once again spread wide. This time, it was Jorgensen who had the final say. With the game hanging in the balance, the young winger showed incredible maturity and vision, breaking free from a tackle and sprinting towards the line. He was tackled just short of the try line, but managed to stretch his body out and plant the ball over the line. The Allianz Stadium erupted as the referee awarded the try, and Foley’s conversion brought the final score to 42-37 in favor of Australia.

Conclusion: A Classic Encounter

The dramatic finish to the match was a fitting conclusion to an enthralling contest. Both teams displayed incredible attacking flair and resilience, but it was Australia who managed to hold their nerve in the dying moments. The victory, thanks to Max Jorgensen’s late try, will go down as one of the most memorable wins for Australia in recent years, especially considering the young talent that is beginning to emerge within the squad.

For England, while the defeat was tough to swallow, there were positives to take from the performance. Steve Borthwick will no doubt be pleased with his team’s ability to score tries and fight back after Australia had seemingly seized control. However, there will be concern over England’s inability to close out the match and manage the final stages of the game effectively.

This match highlighted the unpredictable nature of rugby, where momentum can shift in an instant, and the outcome can be decided in the blink of an eye. For Australia, it was a statement victory, one that demonstrated their potential as a team on the rise. For England, it was another painful reminder that, while they are capable of playing excellent rugby, they still need to iron out their inconsistencies if they are to challenge for top honors on the world stage.

As both teams now look ahead to the rest of the Autumn Nations Series and beyond, this game will be remembered as a true classic, filled with drama, excitement, and the kind of rugby that captivates fans and players alike.