England’s 42-37 defeat by Australia shows they didn’t learn from All Blacks lesson – but Marcus Smith demonstrates his class again

Ruthless Australia punished sloppy England 42-37 as Max Jorgensen scored a stunning last-gasp try to heap more misery on head coach Steve Borthwick in a pulsating encounter.

The Wallabies were curvaceous in attack after falling behind early on to two Chandler Cunningham-South tries as England burst out of blocks.

The Red Rose battled throughout the game and looked like they had won the contest when Maro Itoje crashed over from close range with half-fly Marcus Smith kicking England into a slender lead.

Penalties slowly crept up for the hosts, who were winning by two points as the clock struck 80 minutes, before Australian winger Jorgensen sealed a famous victory at the Allianz Stadium.

ENGLAND DON’T CLOSE OUT, AGAIN

Australia, who are under a period of transition under new head coach Joe Schmidt, who started his role in March, began the match heavy underdogs.

This was the most points the visitors have scored at the home of rugby and their first victory over England since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, nine years ago.

When Jorgensen touched down for stunning win, Borthwick must be wondering how lightening has struck twice in successive weeks for his side.

Last week fly-half George Ford missed two glorious opportunities from his boot to get defeat New Zealand, which allowed the All Blacks to steal victory by the barest of margins, 22-24.

This week it was England’s inability to hold onto their lead that will have the head coach tossing and turning at night as Australia break England hearts at the death.

The shirts of gold and green looked hungrier and exploited England’s defence, picking the lock through a sea of white shirts as the home side lacked conviction.

MARCUS SMITH SHINES AGAIN FOR ENGLAND

England’s Smith was the fulcrum of everything positive that the home side did against the Wallabies.

The head coach unleashed Smith for a full 80 minutes after being slated for replacing the Harlequins star with 20 minutes left of last week’s test.

He was replaced by Ford, who missed a decisive penalty and drop goal last week, entered the field in the exact moment he did last Saturday; Borthwick slotted the Harlequins star at full-back this time to keep his brightest player on the pitch.

Smith’s brilliant deft kick to Ollie Sleightholme, who scored his first international tries, was a thing of beauty as the 25-year-old shone whilst he continued breaking through the game line.

He instigated England’s attacks playing the correct note at the exact moment it needed to be played to exploit the visitors.

Next up for England next week, world champions South Africa who will be licking their lips after Saturday’s defensive performance.

By Jack Bunclark