In a spectacular display of attacking rugby, England launched their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a thrilling 35-25 victory over Australia, illuminated by Tommy Freeman's stunning hat-trick performance that left a capacity Twickenham crowd in raptures.
Freeman's Finest Hour
The Northampton Saints wing produced a career-defining performance, crossing the whitewash three times in a masterclass of finishing that showcased his blistering pace and clinical edge. Freeman's remarkable treble proved the decisive factor in a contest that ebbed and flowed dramatically throughout the eighty minutes.
"It's a dream come true," Freeman admitted post-match. "To score a hat-trick for England at Twickenham is something every young rugby player dreams of. The atmosphere was electric and the boys showed incredible character to close out the game."
Borthwick's New-Look England Delivers
Head coach Steve Borthwick's bold selection choices paid rich dividends as England displayed an expansive, attacking game plan that marked a significant departure from their traditional conservative approach. The inclusion of dynamic ball-carriers and creative distributors throughout the backline created constant problems for the Wallabies' defence.
The victory represents England's fourth consecutive win over their southern hemisphere rivals and provides the perfect foundation for their upcoming Autumn Series fixtures against New Zealand and South Africa.
Key Moments That Shaped the Contest
- 18th minute: Freeman opens his account with a perfectly executed finish in the corner
- 32nd minute: Australia hit back with two quick-fire tries to take an unexpected lead
- 45th minute: Freeman's second try restores English momentum
- 67th minute: The hat-trick score sends Twickenham into delirium
- 78th minute: England's defence holds firm against late Australian pressure
Wallabies Show Fighting Spirit
Despite the defeat, Australia demonstrated significant improvement under new coaching leadership, pushing England to the limit in a contest that remained in the balance until the final minutes. Their attacking flair and set-piece organisation suggested the Wallabies are building towards a competitive World Cup cycle.
"We're disappointed with the result but proud of the effort," said Australia's captain. "England were clinical when it mattered, particularly through Freeman, but we showed we can compete with the best teams in world rugby."
Looking Ahead
The victory sets up a mouth-watering clash with world champions New Zealand next weekend, with England now brimming with confidence after demonstrating they can blend defensive resilience with cutting-edge attacking threat. Freeman's performance has undoubtedly cemented his place in Borthwick's starting XV for the foreseeable future.
As the Twickenham faithful dispersed into the London night, the conversation centred not just on an important victory, but on the emergence of a new English hero in Tommy Freeman, whose hat-trick heroics have instantly become part of English rugby folklore.
