formerflanker
Ken Catchpole (46)
Agreed, goal kicking was not the only reason we lost, but here's some interesting stats that i've just worked up: Farrell kicked 24/27 possible points he was offered = 88%. Foley kicked 8/14 possible points = 57%. If Foley had instead kicked 88% like Farrell, Aus would have had 4 more points = 32. If Farrell had kicked 57% instead, England would have had 9 less points = 30. So how does Aus 32 Eng 30 sound? All very hypothetical of course, it doesn't take into account where the kicks were located, the run of the game etc etc., but poignant: Eddie Jones hasn't forgotten how England won the 2003 WC in Australia [forwards + Wilkinson's boot] and he intends to emulate it.
The importance to England of points off the boot was reflected in Farrell's glee when he slotted the sideline conversion after the hooter. He knew it was more than just 2 points - it was a jab at Australia's long term mental strength.