Australia coach Michael Cheika lauded Bernard Foley after the fly-half's match-winning performance against England at the Rugby World Cup.

Foley scored 28 points, including crossing for two tries, at Twickenham on Saturday as the Wallabies claimed a 33-13 win to book their spot in the quarter-finals.

Cheika said he was unaware of Foley's points haul, but praised the 26-year-old for leading the way.

"I didn't actually realise he had clocked them all up," Cheika said.

"He set the tone as a fly-half, which he needs to do. They are our playmakers, our generals, and they stood up and took responsibility and got the rewards."

Foley went over twice in the first half as the Wallabies opened up a 17-3 half-time lead, one that was too great for England to reel in.

Cheika felt his team had outplayed the hosts for long periods in London.

"I'm a bit calmer now the game has finished. I want to thank all the Australian supporters," he added.

"It's not easy to come here and outdo the English. There were times there when we really did that.

"I hope we make Australians proud throughout the rest of the tournament.

"I'm really proud of my lads, but we've got to keep working really hard. We've got a pumped up Wales coming up next."