Nov. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Will Genia and Adam Ashley-Cooper scored as Australia came from behind to beat England 18-9 in an international rugby Test.

Matt Giteau kicked eight points as Australia beat its rival for the second straight year at Twickenham Stadium in London. The Wallabies outscored the hosts 13-0 in the second half.

“We put a big emphasis on the second half,” Giteau told Sky Sports. “We just needed to secure the ball and if we did that, we knew our opportunities would come.”

Jonny Wilkinson kicked all nine points as England opened its autumn Test series. The fly-half, who scored the winning drop goal against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final, hadn’t played for England since March 2008 because of injuries.

A drop goal and penalty from Wilkinson in the first nine minutes gave England a 6-0 lead. Genia’s try in the 21st minute pulled Australia within a point, before Wilkinson booted his second penalty to give England a 9-5 lead at the break.

Australia moved the ball deep into England territory early in the second half, but had to settle for a penalty from Giteau that cut the deficit to 9-8. The Wallabies then took their first lead at 11-9 from another Giteau penalty after threatening the England goal line.

Ashley-Cooper clinched the victory when he ran through Ugo Monye and Mark Cueto to touch down with about 10 minutes left, with Giteau adding the conversion.

England hosts Argentina on Nov. 14, while Australia plays at Ireland the following day.

New Zealand beat Wales 19-12 in Cardiff as Dan Carter kicked 14 points and Andrew Hore had the game’s only try. Stephen Jones kicked four penalties for Wales.

Wales will host Samoa on Nov. 13, with New Zealand visiting Italy the following day.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Bensch in London at bbensch@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 7, 2009 15:05 EST