Dazzling Ashton inspires England win over Australia

Winger Chris Ashton scored two tries as England produced a scintillating display of attacking rugby to defeat Australia 35-18 by a record score at Twickenham yesterday.

After their disappointing defeat to New Zealand last week, England bounced back superbly to score a second consecutive victory over the Wallabies following their win in Sydney in June.

Rugby League convert Ashton scored a try in each half – including one dazzling 80-metre individual effort – with fly-half Toby Flood contributing 25 points with the boot after a flawless goalkicking display.

Australia hit back with two second-half tries from mercurial full-back Kurtley Beale, but the Australians were always chasing the game after England had surged 20 points clear early in the second half.

England boss Martin Johnson refused to get carried away.

“I wouldn’t want to get carried away. We played pretty well and we had tempo and momentum in the first-half,” said Johnson, who experienced his greatest moment as a player when lifting the World Cup in 2003 at the expense of the Wallabies.

“We looked pretty good. There were a lot of outstanding performances from the players and I am really happy for everyone. Sometimes it comes off for you and you get a memorable peformance.”

New Zealand overpowered Scotland 49-3 at Murrayfield, a victory that left them halfway to a third ‘grand slam’ in five years.

The All Blacks were out of sight before the half-hour mark after four tries, all converted by fly-half Dan Carter, left them 28-3 in front.

This win ensured New Zealand remained unbeaten against Scotland, with the 105-year-old record between the countries now showing 26 All Black wins in 28 Tests with two draws.

In Dublin, Ireland failed to convince once more as they emerged victorious 20-10 over Samoa at Lansdowne Road, ending a six-game losing streak.

The victory was cruel on the visitors who played the better rugby at times, and failed to impress the 30,995 fans who had hoped for some optimism ahead of next weekend’s meeting with Tri-Nations champions New Zealand.

Also yesterday, South Africa broke Welsh hearts with a physical second-half performance that sealed a 29-25 triumph at the Millennium Stadium.

After trailing 17-9 at half-time the Springboks hit back with quick-fire tries by Willem Alberts and captain Victor Matfield – celebrating a record 103rd cap – to clinch the win in an action-packed encounter.

Results: England vs Australia 35-18; Ireland vs Samoa 20-10; Italy vs Argentina 16-22; Wales vs South Africa 25-29; Scotland vs New Zealand 3-49; France vs Fiji 34-12.