England slow to settle in final

Australia 5, England 9

England made a nervous opening and did not settle against Australia in the World Cup final in Sydney today.

The Wallabies made the early running through promising raids by flanker George Smith and full-back Mat Rogers.

Australia had a clear territorial edge, and they caught England on the back foot through a sucker-punch try after six minutes.

Fly-half Stephen Larkham targeted Jason Robinson on England’s right-wing, and a steepling kick paid rich dividends.

Under pressure from his opposite number Lote Tuqiri, Robinson was found wanting, and Tuqiri’s greater size and bulk resulted in him claiming the the final’s first try.

However, centre Elton Flatley failed to land the conversion and extend their lead.

Wilkinson opened their account through a timely penalty and forged ahead in the 20th minute thanks to his deadly boot.

Matt Dawson’s darting run from the base of the scrum was supported by Lawrence Dallaglio and although he was halted on the Australian 25, Larkham was penalised for an off-the-ball tackle on Ben Cohen.

That gave Wilkinson a penalty chance 30 metres out and he stroked it between the posts to give England a 6-5 lead. He added a third in the 28th minute to see England four clear on the half-hour mark.