Enlarge imageBy Mitch Phillips
LONDON (Reuters) - Australia put their dire Tri-Nations season behind them by beating England 18-9 on Saturday to switch attention to their bid for a grand slam of victories over the home unions.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the clean sweep achieved by Nick Farr-Jones's team, arguably the greatest Wallaby side ever, Australia are making their first attempt at a slam since 1984.
The plan looked in danger of falling at the first hurdle on Saturday as England, buoyed by the return of Jonny Wilkinson, were on top from the start and deservedly led 9-5 at halftime.
However, Australia turned things round completely after the break. Young scrumhalf Will Genia delivered a man of the match performance, Matt Giteau kicked them into the lead before Adam Ashley-Cooper sealed the turnaround with a late try.
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Having lost six of their last seven tests it was an impressive display by the Wallabies, who now face Six Nations champions Ireland before games against Scotland and Wales.
"Croke Park is a great venue and it will be very challenging but it's a great opportunity to push on," said Australia coach Robbie Deans.
"It's not dissimilar to today - the first 20 minutes will be full on, very passionate, and we have to weather that."
Deans said he had been particularly impressed by the patience shown by his side Saturday, particularly after they blew two great try-scoring opportunities in the second half.
"I was happy with the way we kept out composure and wore them down," he said.
"The guys didn't become frantic after the missed opportunities and that trust and patience paid off and that's a habit we want to keep."
With Australia a distant third in the Tri-Nations, the way they absorbed England's early threat and then gradually took total control says little about the northern hemisphere threat.
England manager Martin Johnson, who had a baptism of fire with three thrashings by the Tri-Nations teams a year ago, was forced to rely on the old European November chestnut about the touring teams being better prepared.
"Australia have played a lot of tests together and are a bit tighter," said Johnson.
"That doesn't excuse some things but we'll improve from here to next week."
In mitigation Johnson can point to an unprecedented injury list that contributed to a starting team showing just four survivors from last November's corresponding fixture.
And there were huge plus points in the performances of three returning members of the 2003 World Cup-winning side - Wilkinson, Lewis Moody and Steve Thompson.
Wilkinson had a superb game in attack and defence, Moody was a force from open side while hooker Thompson, in his first start for three years, helped establish England's early dominance in the lineout.
"It's great to have them back," said Johnson. "People have asked me all week what Jonny brings to the game and I'd say 'just watch the game' - he's a world class player."
Wilkinson was making his first appearance since the 2008 Six Nations and his first in a November international since 2002.
"The support I've received and the atmosphere here have been amazing," said Wilkinson, who landed two penalties and a drop goal and produced some bone-shaking tackles.
"It's great to be back and I want more of that."
(Editing by Justin Palmer)
