Eddie Jones believes England is heading in the “right direction” after a come-from-behind victory against Australia on Saturday to seal a bruising series Down Under.
Jones’ men slumped 10-3 behind at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but bounced back with 18 unanswered points to take control and hold off a frantic late charge from the Wallabies.
After tries for Freddie Steward and Marcus Smith, England’s defence thwarted the Wallabies to claim the newly-minted Ella-Mobbs Cup with a 21-17 victory, and clinch the series 2-1.
The tourists became only the second England side to win a series in Australia after a historic whitewash in 2016, also with Jones in charge.
The triumph is a much-needed tonic for the Australian , who has been under increasing pressure ahead of the World Cup in France next year after an indifferent start to 2022 for England.
Highlights: England seal series win over Wallabies
“We weren’t at our best in this Test, but we kept fighting and we kept in the game, particularly the defence of our finishers at the end and that got us the result,” Jones told Sky Sports.
“It’s a really positive step. We’ve always felt the team is going in the right direction. Sometimes the results don’t reflect that.”
Courtney Lawes, who had contentiously been preferred to lead England ahead of Owen Farrell, echoed Jones’ sentiments in praising the team’s resilience.
“We fought for each other, we have had a great four weeks here, really enjoyed ourselves,” he said. “The boys just stuck together and found a way to win and that’s the big improvement, I think.”
It was a bitter result for the Wallabies, who have been trying to usher in a new era after a period in the wilderness.
Dave Rennie’s troops were hit hard by injury and suspension, which tested their depth and resolve as they fell agonisingly short.
“We created good opportunities tonight, but just not good enough to execute them,” Wallabies captain Michael Hooper said.
“There were areas that hurt us, like right before half-time when they got that try. But also some pleasing elements, but it hurts.”
