What We Learned: England vs Australia

What was a happy coaching triumph for Michael Cheika was a dismal coaching calamity for Stuart Lancaster. Australia were magnificent and worthy victors, while England were sad losers, crashing out of RWC 2015 on a desperately miserable night for the hosts.

The prospect of World Cup glory awaits Australia, if they can build on Twickenham conquest. For England’s coaches and players, the fallout will be traumatic.

What we know now:

The Wallaby scrum which suffered the humility of ‘disintegration’ at Twickenham last year, has risen phoenix-like in authority and respect. Former Argentinian hooker Mario Ledesma has done a mammoth job in orchestrating the vast improvement in the Wallaby scrummaging. All four Wallaby props and both hookers played their part admirably, as did the rest of the pack behind them.

At this moment in the history of Rugby Union, David Pocock may well be the most influential player in the world. His contribution to the Wallaby victory was gargantuan. Pocock and Michael Hooper in tandem are lethal. They are, along with Richie McCaw, the most constructive and destructive opensides on the planet. Playing Pocock at 8, but allowing him to continue to play to his strengths, has been a huge success. Stuart Lancaster’s failure to select a genuine openside and leave the duty to Chris Robshaw, has backfired horribly.

Australia’s second try, with the change of direction of attack and inter-passing between Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale, was a gem, showing that innovation and creativity at Test level is still possible.

Bernard Foley and Will Genia, after a tentative start to the World Cup, delivered superb performances as 10 and 9 individually and as a pair. Bringing on Nick Phipps in place of Genia seemed unnecessary and nearly proved a disaster for Michael Cheika as Phipps made horrid errors before settling down.

Matt Giteau’s experience and skill has been invaluable for the Wallabies. Bringing in Drew Mitchell on the left wing for the injured Rob Horne may add similar acumen.

What a pity we won’t see much more of Anthony Watson in this tournament. He has what it takes to develop into one of England’s all-time great attacking wings.

Sam Burgess was fortunate not to get a yellow card a few minutes after coming on as a sub. It’s not been a happy tournament for him. Clearly he needs plenty more time in club rugby before he becomes a major factor at Test level.