England beats Australia 45-22 in Nations Championship opener

England defeated Australia 45-22 in their opening Nations Championship match at Twickenham. The hosts scored seven tries in a dominant attacking display against the Wallabies.

Emergency winger Henry Pollock scored two tries in the second half, marking his seventh try in 14 games for England. Front-rowers Jamie George and Joe Heyes also crossed the line in the first half.

“England have now won 12 of their past 14 matches against them.”

Ollie Chessum added another try after a counter-attack following an Australian clearance kick. The move highlighted Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's line-breaking ability and England's quick ruck speed.

Australia's Max Jorgensen scored a solo try just before halftime via an intercept pass. It was the Wallabies' only line break of the first half, leaving them trailing by nine points at the break.

The loss marks Australia's third consecutive heavy defeat and a record points conceded against England. England has now won 12 of its past 14 matches against Australia.

Injuries to England backs Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Seb Atkinson tempered the victory. A Times report earlier in the week had suggested a rift between coach Steve Borthwick and his players, which senior players denied.