Henry Pollock powers seven-try England to crushing victory against Australia

• England 45-22 Australia

• George, Chessum and Heyes scored first-half tries

England had promised to do their talking on the field and so it came to pass. After a turbulent few days, this result was certainly a thumping riposte to newspaper reports that all is not well within the court of Steve Borthwick. If Australia had imagined they might encounter distracted, half-hearted hosts, this seven-try romp suggested the precise opposite.

Maybe Borthwick should commission the Times to write his motivational pre-match speeches every week. On this evidence the ­Wallabies have some massive issues to address but, equally, England were com­fortably the better, more energetic side. Further improvement will still be demanded, of course, but this record number of points against ­Australia was easily their most satisfying all-round outing of the calendar year to date. Their three defining Ds – defence, discipline and desire – were conspicuous throughout and, at long last, they are starting to trust their exciting attacking talent out wide.

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