We were made to look second rate

The Age

Those in the southern hemisphere who have lampooned this England team for so long must now begrudgingly admit this is a special side, capable of becoming the first from the north to raise the World Cup trophy in triumph. It was far more than a team based around Jonny Wilkinson's goalkicking. Australia was made to look second rate.

Sydney Morning Herald

The England side that defeated the willing but outpowered Wallabies is a team for the history books - a side for English supporters to treasure. And the victory was achieved with a style that was open and creative. It is unlikely that England has [ever] fielded a finer pack of forwards. Was the technical skill and physical power of one pack over another ever so cruelly exposed?

Herald Sun

The victory could not have been more emphatic. The psychological benefit to the English was immense.

The pre-match entertainment could not have rubbed in Australia's sporting accomplishments any more at England's expense. Even Australia soccer coach Frank Farina was trotted out to rekindle memories of his team's upset win over England in the one sport the English "can play". They produced the perfect counter five minutes into the match when Will Greenwood surged over.

The Australian

England's captain, the Dad's Army general Martin Johnson, imposed his will on the Wallabies. He produced one of the most authoritative matches from an international second-rower in seasons. He was the go-to man at the lineout as England, significantly, did not lose a single throw. It was [England's] first perfect lineout count in three years.