13 Jun 2010

Cooper shines as Australia beat England in Perth

6:11 pm on 13 June 2010

The Australian first -five Quade Cooper slotted a late penalty to give his side a 10-point lead with three minutes remaining as they sneaked to a 27-17 victory over the England rugby side last night.

Cooper also scored two tries, while captain Rocky Elsom also crossed for the home side who were prepared to play an expansive game but were demolished in the scrum.

Referee Nigel Owens awarded two penalty tries to the visitors and sinbinned tighthead prop Salesi Ma'afu after sustained pressure led to several collapsed scrums inside the Wallabies 22-metre area.

The England first five Toby Flood converted both penalty tries and slotted a penalty, while the Wallabies fullback James O'Connor struck three conversions and a penalty.