England’s win over Australia lifts Borthwick, but Feyi-Waboso injury clouds result

England’s 45-22 win over Australia eased pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick, but Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s ankle injury could leave the side without one of its most dangerous attackers for next week’s match against Japan.

Feyi-Waboso made 113 metres from eight carries and beat seven defenders in the first half at Twickenham on Sunday. His ankle was caught under Australia prop Angus Bell; he came off at half-time and watched the rest of the match in a protective boot. England are awaiting a prognosis.

The 23-year-old’s performance was a bright point in a seven-try victory that offered Borthwick a lift after a difficult week. England’s win over Australia followed reports of tension between the coach and players, which senior England players had denied.

England looked more assured and adventurous than in recent defeats, while conceding seven penalties and avoiding a yellow or red card for only the second time this year, according to BBC Sport. Australia, however, were poor, and the result will be a limited measure of England’s progress before a tougher test against New Zealand in a fortnight.

Borthwick said he was “really proud” of the squad, praising the way younger and older players were working together. His immediate concern is the fitness of Feyi-Waboso and centre Seb Atkinson, who also went off injured.