England coach John Mitchell had questioned before this game whether Australia, who would make the quarter-finals either by avoiding a thrashing or by picking up a bonus point, would attempt to kick and contain or run and attack.
In the opening 30 minutes, they did both. And outplayed the hosts in the process.
England flunked their first two set-pieces, with Rosie Galligan spilling a line-out and Botterman going to ground at the scrum to give away a penalty.
Meanwhile, Australia fly-half Faitala Moleka found turf between the hosts’ back three with clever kicks and her forwards cantered into contact, refusing to be cowed by the Red Roses’ record or reputation.
Wallaroos hooker Adiana Talakai burrowed over at the back of a sixth-minute driven lineout to ensure that early superiority showed on the scoreboard.
Wing Jess Breach, winning her 50th cap, scampered in shortly after from Zoe Harrison’s over-the-top miss pass to cut Australia’s lead to 7-5, but England’s discipline and drills remained scrappy.
Abbie Ward was pinged for a needless offside and the line-out misfired, with three going astray in the first half. When England did safely gather, Australia were able to shove a spanner in the spokes of their usually powerful driving maul.
Amy Cokayne found herself at the back of one maul that did motor over the line, only to lose the ball as she attempted to ground.
Botterman, one of England’s most impressive performers so far in the tournament, was forced off shortly after.
It couldn’t get much worse for England.
And it didn’t. After 32 minutes, Ward put England in front for the first time, finally overwhelming some gritty Australian goalline defence to make it 12-7.
Kabeya followed her over just before half-time as England went to the rolling maul once more and finally made one stick.
A 19-7 half-time lead was flattering, however. Australia had enjoyed 63% possession, and England had had to make 69 more tackles than their opponents.
