ŌITA, Japan: England are into the Rugby World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 12 years as they crushed old rivals Australia 40-16 in the Quarter Final.
Two first-half tries in four minutes from Jonny May on his 50th cap helped establish a 17-9 half-time lead before a memorable score from Marika Koroibete brought the Wallabies to within a point.
But prop Kyle Sinckler smashed through from Owen Farrell’s flat pass as England regained control, the fly-half landing 20 points with his boot to decimate Australian hopes before Anthony Watson applied the coup de grace with a late interception try.
It was England’s best performance of a World Cup, the decision of coach Eddie Jones to start Farrell in place of George Ford vindicated by a seventh successive win over his home country.
Four years ago England were sent packing at the group stage from the tournament they were hosting by Michael Cheika’s side.
But with the young back-row combination of Tom Curry and Sam Underhill outstanding, this was sweet revenge, a last-four meeting with New Zealand or Ireland in a week’s time the rich reward.
