Enlarge imageBy Mitch Phillips
LONDON (Reuters) - Australia completed the first leg of a potential grand slam when they produced a dominant second-half display to beat injury-hit England 18-9 at Twickenham Saturday.
A patched-up England side deservedly led 9-5 at halftime after two penalties and a drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson, in his first appearance for 20 months, with Australia managing only a try by livewire scrumhalf Will Genia.
The Wallabies, however, were a different side after the break and were on top throughout. Two penalties by Matt Giteau edged them ahead after an hour and then a surging score in the corner by fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper completed the turnaround for their second successive Twickenham success.
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Australia, who had lost six of their previous seven games, now face Ireland next Sunday before games against Scotland and Wales as they seek to match the grand slam achievement of the famed 1984 side. (Editing by Justin Palmer)
