Max Jorgensen still remembers the thrill of that chilly November evening at Twickenham in 2024. With the clock deep in the red and England clinging to a two-point lead, the then 20-year-old debutant received the ball on the wing, spotted a gap, and sprinted clear to seal a dramatic 42-37 victory for Australia.
"It was a pretty special night for the whole team," Jorgensen recalls. "To win at Twickenham, the home of rugby, is incredibly tough, and to do it in that fashion was amazing. The atmosphere can be intimidating with 85,000 fans singing, but knowing we've done it before gives us confidence."
Now 22, Jorgensen is no longer a surprise package. He has become a key figure in Australia's backline, known for rising to the occasion in big matches. He scored in both Tests against the British and Irish Lions last year and crossed for the match-winning try in September's stunning 42-38 win over South Africa.
A British Connection
Jorgensen's comfort in the UK stems from his early years. He holds a British passport, a memento from his father Peter's six-year stint playing professional rugby in Britain for clubs like Northampton, Rotherham, and Edinburgh. The family returned to Australia when Max was a toddler, but the connection remained. In 2015, an 11-year-old Max and his father flew back to watch the Rugby World Cup, where he cheered the Wallabies to victory over England in green and gold.
"That was never something I wanted to do," Jorgensen told the Sydney Morning Herald about potentially switching allegiance. "I always dreamed of playing for the Wallabies. I'm stoked every time I get to do it."
Despite interest from rugby league's NRL as a teenager, Jorgensen remained loyal to rugby union, and his star has risen rapidly. He has a knack for delivering in crucial moments, as evidenced by his tries against the Lions and the Springboks.
Building Consistency
However, Jorgensen is quick to acknowledge that Australia must find consistency to compete for major honours. Last year, England comfortably beat them 25-10 at Twickenham, and Jorgensen endured a tough outing against New Zealand in October, throwing an interception in a 43-21 loss.
Under new coach Les Kiss, the Wallabies are showing signs of progress. "We've come a long way," Jorgensen says. "We're not perfect, but we're definitely getting better."
As Australia prepares to face England again on Sunday, Jorgensen's form and try-scoring ability will be under the spotlight. If his past performances are anything to go by, England should be wary.
