England produced their most commanding performance of the year on Sunday, beating Australia 45-22 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in the Nations Championship — with Henry Pollock scoring two tries as a makeshift winger to steal the headlines.

The seven-try victory was England's highest-ever points total against the Wallabies and their third win in four matches in the inaugural global tournament. It also lifted Steve Borthwick's side to second place in the Northern Hemisphere standings and eased the pressure on the head coach after a difficult year.

Pollock's remarkable second half

The match turned in the second half. Winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was forced off at half-time with an ankle injury, and with England short of backs, back-row forward Pollock was deployed on the wing. The 21-year-old adapted instantly, scoring twice in as many minutes to put the game beyond doubt.

Jack van Poortvliet had already crossed early in the second half to secure the bonus-point fourth try, and Pollock's double — in the 53rd and 54th minutes — took England to 38-10 by the hour mark. Ben Spencer capped the scoring with a late interception try moments after coming on, while Fin Smith kicked five conversions.

Jamie George, Ollie Chessum and Joe Heyes also crossed for England, who led 19-10 at half-time. Australia's tries came from Max Jorgensen, Filipo Daugunu and Jeremy Williams, but the Wallabies were unable to live with England's power and pace once the hosts found their rhythm.

A record win at Twickenham

The 45 points were the most England have ever scored against Australia, and the result was their 12th win over the Wallabies in their last 14 meetings. More than 81,000 supporters were at Twickenham for the match, the standout fixture of the autumn so far for the home side.

Pollock's emergence as a part-time winger is a notable bonus for Borthwick. The young forward has built a growing reputation in Test rugby this year, and his two tries from an unfamiliar position underlined the athleticism and finishing ability that have made him one of the most talked-about players in the English game.

Injury concerns and what comes next

The win came at a cost. Feyi-Waboso, who had been one of England's most dangerous attackers in the opening period, will miss the rest of the Nations Championship, and Tom Curry has also been ruled out of the remainder of the autumn campaign.

England now face Japan at Twickenham on Saturday 14 November, kicking off at 4.40pm, before hosting New Zealand on Saturday 21 November. The playoff finals for the inaugural Nations Championship take place at the same stadium from 27 to 29 November, and England remain firmly in contention to be there.