By Basant El-Faramawy
Australia's Max Jorgensen prepares to face England at Twickenham on Sunday in the Nations Championship, recalling his dramatic match-winning try in 2024 that secured a 42-37 victory.
Sheffield roots and Wallabies dream
Jorgensen was born in Sheffield while his father Peter played in the English Premiership for Northampton, Rotherham and Edinburgh. The family returned to Australia when Max was a toddler, but a 2015 Rugby World Cup trip reinforced his ambition to represent the Wallabies, a dream he has pursued since resisting rugby league overtures as a teenager.
2024 Twickenham triumph
In November 2024, the then 20-year-old came off the bench to score in the 83rd minute, snatching a win at a venue where Australia rarely triumph. Jorgensen describes the 85,000-strong crowd atmosphere as daunting but says the memory provides confidence heading into Sunday's 15:10 GMT kickoff.
Big-game player
Since that breakthrough, Jorgensen has become a first-choice back-three selection. He crossed in the first and third Tests against the British and Irish Lions in 2025, and his break set up a crucial try in the second. He also scored the match-winner in a 42-38 victory over South Africa and featured in the Wallabies' first win at Ellis Park in 62 years.
Nations Championship challenge
Under new coach Les Kiss, Australia seeks greater consistency ahead of next year's home Rugby World Cup. Jorgensen acknowledges last year's 25-10 loss to England and his own errors in a subsequent defeat to New Zealand, but believes the team is trending in the right direction.
