Max Jorgensen: 'I definitely knew I had the wheels... it was unreal'

Max Jorgensen could have felt a bit like the forgotten Wallabies’ prodigy after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii swanned across codes and into camp to be hailed as the golden boy.

Not any more, though.

Finishing off a scintillating, last-gasp move that earned the Wallabies just a second win in the last 12 matches at England’s Twickenham fortress, Jorgensen chose the day when Suaalii lived up to all the hype to also remind everyone back home why all the fuss used to be about him.

His maiden score on Saturday was a beauty. The 20-year-old streaked down the left edge after a slick, lightning final attack to end a patient seven-phase build-up and, with the clock in the red, apply the final knife-thrust which he adorned with an extravagant swallow-dive finish.

The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson

Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.

The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson

Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.

Why not? It sure did feel good.

Points Flow Chart

Australia win +5

Time in lead

43

Mins in lead

35

50%

% Of Game In Lead

41%

39%

Possession Last 10 min

61%

7

Points Last 10 min

14

“Oh, man, it’s amazing, it’s unbelievable … the best feeling in the world,” reckoned the flying Waratah, who was born in England while his Wallabies-capped dad Peter was playing for Northampton.

“The atmosphere was crazy – 85,000 people all singing, cheering bloody loud, so you can’t really hear the person inside of you talk. It was so cool to do that.

“Definitely a career highlight, but I’ve only started my career, so hopefully there’s many more like that.”

The try which sealed the epic 42-37 win came straight on the heels of England going 37-35 up in the 79th minute. Australia had one last chance; win the restart, which they effectively did with Suaalii badgering Maro Itoje into a knock-on, and then make one last attack count.

“The talk was just, ‘boys, keep calm’, and they did well doing that, just building phases, and I got that ball in open space, had no one in front of me, and just gunned it to the line. I definitely knew I had the wheels … it was unreal,” said Jorgensen.

The reason the fuss had died down a bit about the gifted youngster was largely because of injury and illness woes.

His Test career, started with the contrasting matches against Argentina this year, was stalled after Jorgensen was hospitalised with a nasty bug.

Healthy and fit again, he’s thrilled to be part of a team with some youthful verve.

“It’s been unreal under Joe Schmidt. As you can see out there, we’re getting better week to week. He’s been amazing, loved him as our coach – and we can keep building. It’s going to be amazing next year,” he said.

“(Suaalii) was amazing. You can just see how athletic is he off those kick-offs, and just his off-load game and running game, mate, he’s built for this game.”

And how he and his teammates are enjoying sticking it to the critics, especially English pundits who’d been suggesting the Lions shouldn’t even be bothering touring Australia next year as defeat for the hosts was a foregone conclusion.

“It’s been a huge motivation,” said Jorgensen. “There’s a couple of people out there who doubted us, and to go out there, get the win and prove them wrong was unreal.”