The Wallabies were trailing an energetic England side 16-6 at halftime in the rugby Test at Twickenham.

England had scored the only try of the half through winger Chris Ashton in the 25th minute, while five-eighth Toby Flood booted the conversion and three penalty goals.

Australia's goalkicking woes continued with winger James O'Connor, who took over the duties from Matt Giteau last week, managing just two from five penalty goal attempts.

The home side had out-enthused the Wallabies, whose beleaguered scrum was not really tested in just three of the set-pieces in the first 40 minutes.

While Australia cruelled their opportunities at England's end, the home side showed a willingness to counter-attack quickly and it paid off as they converted territory to points.

The Wallabies' desperate attempts to recover resulted in centre Giteau being yellow-carded for a breakdown infringement in the 36th minute.

England led 10-0 after Ashton's try before O'Connor finally landed one in the 32nd minute to claw it back to seven points difference.

Flood stretched it out to 16-3 with penalties in the 34th and 38th minute before O'Connor narrowed the gap on the stroke of halftime.

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