England defeat Australia to ease pressure on coach Steve Borthwick

England defeated Australia at Allianz Stadium, scoring seven tries in a performance that provided on-pitch backing for head coach Steve Borthwick. BBC Sport, The Independent, and The Times all reported that the team swatted aside Australia in an emphatic display. BBC Sport listed the score as 45-22. The victory came after England struggled with form for most of 2026. [2][3][5][6][9]

According to BBC Sport, England scored tries through George, Chessum, Heyes, Van Poortvliet, Pollock, and Spencer, alongside five conversions from F Smith. Australia scored tries through Jorgensen, Daugunu, and Williams, with conversions from Lonergan and Donaldson and a penalty from Lonergan. The Daily Mail and The Times both noted that Henry Pollock scored twice while playing on the wing. [3][4][9]

The win followed reports of a rift between players and coaches during the summer and accusations that Borthwick oversaw a toxic environment. BBC Sport and the Daily Mail both reported that senior players strongly rejected claims of a split in the camp. The Daily Mail added that senior players urged the squad to win for Borthwick, while Maro Itoje interrupted a post-match press conference to reiterate team support. [3][4]

Wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who plays for Exeter Chiefs and represents England despite being born in Wales, featured prominently in the first half. BBC Sport reported a strong first-half display from Feyi-Waboso. However, Rugbypass.com and Ruck.co.uk reported that Feyi-Waboso was forced off during the match due to an injury. [1][5][7][8][10]