2024 in review: Max Jorgensen’s Giteau-esque swan dive stuns England

Matt Giteau’s last-minute try against England during the 2015 Rugby World Cup holds a special place in Wallabies history. Giteau linked up with great mate Adam Ashley-Cooper before swan diving over the try line to knock England out of the tournament with a 33-13 humiliation.

Nine years later, England-born Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen would leave thousands at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in a state of disbelief with another swan dive that was reminiscent of Giteau’s effort or even Chris Ashton’s trademark try celebration.

It’s blunt, fair and true to say that not many rugby fans gave the Wallabies a genuine chance of winning before taking on the English at the world-famous venue. Legendary England halfback Ben Youngs infamously said “don’t waste my time” when gauging the Aussies’ chances.

But Jorgensen now holds a special place in Wallabies history, much like Giteau.

Australia started their era under coach Joe Schmidt with two wins over Wales and another positive result against Georgia during the July internationals, but The Rugby Championship proved to be a tough couple of months for the men in gold.

After winning just one of their six matches during that tournament – which included a record 67-27 loss to Argentina a week after beating the same side by a single point – the Wallabies turned their attention towards their Spring Tour ahead of next year’s British and Irish Lions Series.

Prop Angus Bell claimed the Australians were chasing “four wins” during that end-of-year tour, while some questioned if they’d be able to avoid four losses. But the Wallabies believed, truly, as their 42-37 win over Steve Borthwick’s England showed.

Tries to Tom Wright and captain Harry Wilson laid the foundations for the Wallabies, who ended up taking a hard-earned 20-18 lead into the break after a penalty goal from Noah Lolesio in the 41^st minute. Jerem Williams then scored nine minutes into the second term to extend the lead.

But with Ollie Sleightholme crossing for a decisive double, took a 30-28 lead with 12 minutes left to play. The pressure was on the Wallabies, but with Andrew Kellaway creating something special from nothing, they snatched the lead back deep into the contest.

Five minutes left.

But the war was far from won.

Maro Itoje scored with three minutes left to play which saw the English take the lead.

But once again, the war was far from won.

It seemed the Wallabies were at long odds to claim the win but after throwing it wide left through the hands, Joe Schmidt’s men were rewarded. Fraser McReight linked up well with Len Ikitau, who threw a superb flick pass to Jorgensen who flew down the left edge.

With a swan dive, Jorgensen was the Wallabies’ hero.

Following the full-time whistle, debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was named the Player of the Match. Rugby Australia’s marquee recruit hadn’t played a minute of Super Rugby after making the move from the NRL, but this selection had proved to be a masterstroke.

While McReight, Ikitau and Jorgensen are credited above for their work in that match-winning score, Suaalii was superb for the Wallabies throughout that 80 minutes. Whether it was throwing brilliant offloads, drawing in defenders or standing tall in defence, Suaalii was in fine form.

“I thought he was strong,” coach Schmidt said. “I thought he was really well supported by Lenny Ikitau, Lenny was outstanding. Even at the end of the game, he took the corner, drew the defender, and released Max Jorgensen. I thought those two dove-trailed pretty well through that midfield.

“Joseph obviously got a few kick-offs back for us, he’s a big of an aerial freak, but at the same time, it was a good learning experience for Joseph as well.

“I know there were some doubts expressed about him being selected and the risk. I think people will now see the opportunity of involving a young man like that, particularly the way he prepared during the week. I thought he was really professional.”