Ben Youngs's sharp tactical kicking and decision-making paved the way for England's win over Australia, according to SARugbymag.co.za's Opta-powered stats.

England beat Australia 37-21 at Twickenham on Saturday. At one stage, they trailed the visitors 10-0. It appeared as if they were on course for their first defeat of the 2016 season.

The first-half stats highlight Australia's dominance of possession and territory. The Wallabies made 267 running metres to England's 122, and 69 carries to 31. Somehow, England stayed in the match and trailed by just three points at the break.

There's something to be read into Youngs's first-half stats. The England forwards deserve credit for lifting their performance at the gainline in the second quarter. Youngs's decision-making and execution during this period, however, was game-changing.

In the first half, Youngs made just 18 passes, and completed seven kicks. Many of those were contestable kicks, and resulted in England winning back possession and continuing their forward surge.

In the second stanza, England started to win more possession and territory. Youngs made fewer kicks during this period (four), and more than double the amount of passes (31).

Ultimately, England outscored Australia 24-5 in the second half. Youngs ghosted through for one of the hosts' four tries.

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Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images