England are OUT! Rugby World Cup hosts are beaten by Australia

Following their defeat to Wales last week, tonight's game versus Australia was a must-win contest for the English rugby team.

Sadly for the host nation's fans, however, they failed to deliver, being resoundingly defeated by 33 points to 13.

A last-minute converted try proved to be the cherry on the top for the Aussie boys, who played some of the best rugby of the tournament so far.

England also finished on 14 men after golden boy Owen Farrell was given a yellow card for a mistimed tackle with less than 15 minutes to go.

England came within seven points of their rivals early in the second half – but ultimately Australia always looked dominant. 

And big things had been expected of them in the run-up to the competition.

Indeed, several commentators had suggested that, with all the advantages of playing on home-soil, the team was on course to scoop the title, as they did back in 2003. 

Prior to the match, England coach Stuart Lancaster had admitted that his squad faced the "biggest game of their careers".

Statistics seemed to be on their side too: they had won four of their past five meetings with the Wallabies.

In the aftermath, England fans could be heard booing as Mr Lancaster walked out onto the pitch at Twickenham. And on the 75th minute, streams of supporters could also been seen leaving the stadium in disgust. 

England, now placed third in Pool A behind current leaders Australia and runners-up Wales, will next week travel north to Manchester, where they play Uruguay. 

They do so as the first ever host nation to go out of a Rugby World Cup in the pool stages.

Tomorrow in Pool D, Ireland take on Italy at London’s Olympic Stadium.

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