Feyi-Waboso shines as England’s energy eases pressure on Borthwick

England beat Australia 45-22 in front of 81,334 on Sunday, a result that eased pressure on coach Steve Borthwick. The win featured a standout first-half display from Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who left the field at half-time with an ankle problem and watched the remainder of the match in a protective boot.

The match revived a debate about England’s outward intensity after the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final, when South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi criticised England’s in-game celebrations. Those celebrations had become a meme, with earlier examples such as Ben Earl’s reaction to an Ireland line-out widely mocked, but England showed the same high-energy body language that was evident under Borthwick at the Stade de France three years ago.

That energy manifested in multiple moments: Earl pumped his fist after a third-minute scrum win, Jamie George shouted into the stands following the opening score, and captain Maro Itoje was quickly surrounded with congratulations after an early charge-down. Henry Slade’s late try-saving tackle on Max Jorgensen was another visible example of the team’s intensity.

England combined traditional physicality with riskier, expansive play. The side won the gainline, displayed breakdown bravery and produced crushing contact, such as Ben Curry’s hit on fly-half Declan Meredith, while supporting players showed composure in attack. George Furbank, making his first Test in nearly two years, contributed a decisive piece of play to Jack van Poortvliet’s try by hitting a line, flashing a dummy and offloading, and both Slade and Seb Atkinson were cited for creative control in midfield.

Feyi-Waboso’s first-half output was the clearest individual highlight: in 40 minutes of rugby he made 113m from eight carries and beat seven defenders, figures unmatched by any other England player, but he came off at the break and only played 32 minutes uninjured. The wing’s ankle was trapped under prop Angus Bell’s weight; he was then shown wearing a protective boot while watching the rest of the game from the sidelines. The decision not to remove him immediately and minimise the damage may be one they regret when the prognosis lands.

Bench contributions and discipline were positives for England. Henry Pollock came on and scored two tries in a cameo from the wing, and an all-Lions front row of Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Will Stuart were introduced to maintain pressure. England conceded seven penalties and, for only the second time this year, avoided being shown a card. "I am really proud," Borthwick told BBC Sport. "These players are a wonderful group. We have had bumps in the road. There are a number who are 25 and under who are developing great into Test match players and you have the older players. It is an interesting balance and they are working so well together. It's a pleasure to work with them."

Australia were described in the report as desperately poor and their squad is operating amid a pay dispute with Rugby Australia. New Zealand, coached by Dave Rennie, will provide a far tougher test in a fortnight.