England have recorded their first victory since the end of February with a 25-17 triumph over Australia in Brisbane.
Eddie Jones's side raced into a 19-0 lead against the Wallabies and although they had to withstand a momentum-building comeback from their hosts, England ultimately got over the line to set up a decider in Sydney next weekend.
On the back of last week's disappointing defeat in the opening Test to their 14-man opponents, England were under pressure to make a rapid start in Brisbane.
However, few would have anticipated the level of their performance during the opening stages, Billy Vunipola getting the first try on the board in the fifth minute.
By the 15th minute, England were 13-0 to the good as Owen Farrell showed his quality with the boot, and further penalties were converted to extend the visitor's lead by a further six points.
Despite being on track to head into half time with a commanding lead, England were dealt a blow just before the break as Taniela Tupou powered past a couple of players before touching down over the line, the extras coming from Noah Lolesio.
🗣️ "The pack have responded!"
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 9, 2022
England get what they deserve as they surge forwards over the line and Vunipola SLAMS the ball down for the first TRY of the game! 🏉 pic.twitter.com/IGjSbw1nWM
With a 19-7 lead, England still had control of the contest ahead of the restart, and Farrell moved his side 15 points clear at the beginning of the second half.
However, Australia were soon back in the contest, Tupou the instigator once again before Samu Kerevi was provided with the simple task of posting his side's second try of the match.
Either side of a conversion and another three points being added by Lolesio, England were reduced to 14 men with Marcus Smith being sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.
To England's credit, they avoided conceding a third try with Smith off the pitch, and the lead was extended to eight points when Farrell sent over a penalty with 13 minutes remaining.
England had opportunities to put the game beyond doubt - Farrell missing his first kick of an absorbing encounter in the 73rd minute - and the visitors opted against going for the posts with another penalty during the final embers.
By this stage, however, the game was over as a contest, and England can now look towards trying to edge the series after ending their run of losses on the international stage.
Darren Plant
