England hand Australia seventh straight defeat

LONDON - England used their forward superiority to devastating effect to hand Australia a seventh successive test defeat by 26-16 at Twickenham this morning (NZT).

The world champions won the battle up front and led 10-6 through a converted try by winger Ben Cohen and a penalty at halftime.

When first five-eighths Charlie Hodgson dropped a goal just after the break the match looked as good as over.

But marshalled by fullback Chris Latham, the young Wallaby backs rallied and winger Drew Mitchell wriggled through England tacklers to tie the scores at 16-16 after 55 minutes.

Olly Barkley, who had replaced the injured Hodgson moments before, kicked a penalty from inside his own half to restore England's lead five minutes later and winger Mark Cueto squeezed over in the corner for a converted try to seal the victory.

It is 36 years since the twice world champions Wallabies last lost seven tests in a row.

- REUTERS