socialmedian: Johnny Wilkinson was near-faultless, but England flattered only to deceive

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Johnny Wilkinson was near-faultless, but England flattered only to deceive | Rob Kitson

Source: guardian.co.uk Sport

Nov 07, 2009

Summary

Despite an impressive international return from their fly-half, England looked bereft of ideas as they went down to Australia

Advance, Australia, fair and square. This Wallaby team was not supposed to have any chance of emulating their 1984 predecessors by completing a triumphant grand slam tour of Britain and Ireland but suddenly they move on to Dublin with a spring in their step. England, having flattered only to deceive, can have no complaints about the final outcome.

In the end it was a story of Australia's attack and England's defence. Twice the Wallabies pierced what should have been a steely defensive line, most glaringly when Adam Ashley-Cooper crashed through ineffectual tackles by Mark Cueto and Ugo Monye in the left corner. Had Jonny Wilkinson not played a near-faultless all-round game, the touring team would have won by more.

The challenge laid down by Martin Johnson was for others to match Wilkinson's contribution. Tom Croft was clearly listening, maintaining the form which earned him a Lions Test starting jersey. Steve Borthwick stole a couple of

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