Australia gain sweet revenge

Australia 51 England 15

Australia gained emphatic revenge for their World Cup final defeat seven months ago by turning the tables on England at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.

The Wallabies’ South African-born wing Clyde Rathbone – drafted in as replacement for an injured Wendell Sailor just before kick-off – scored a memorable hat-trick of tries.

Although skipper Lawrence Dallaglio and flanker Richard Hill ended England’s try-drought with touchdowns in each half following sustained pressure, the world champions were punished by Australia’s razor-sharp backs, and 22-year-old Rathbone in particular.

Substitute hooker Jeremy Paul weighed in with a try double as a tired England side wilted under a second-half onslaught, highlighted by wing Lote Tuqiri’s solo run and touchdown.

It was England’s fourth successive loss – equalling their worst sequence of results since head coach Sir Clive Woodward took charge almost seven years ago - and ended a dismal summer tour in predictable fashion.

Australia recaptured the Cook Cup by halting England’s run of five successive victories in the fixture, stretching back to 1999.

England, with so many World Cup talismen missing through injuries, retirements or tour unavailability, were defeated, despite encouraging displays from the likes of wing Tom Voyce, substitute centre Olly Barkley and flanker Joe Worsley.

Their performance was an improvement on both Test displays in New Zealand, when they conceded 72 points to the All Blacks and failed to register a try.

England briefly threatened to fight back from 16-3 and 21-8 deficits, but Rathbone’s finishing power left them floundering.

Wallabies full-back Joe Roff chipped in with 21 points from the boot as England’s marathon 44-week season stumbled to its end.

They fly home tomorrow, in desperate need of a summer break before recharging batteries to meet the Twickenham challenges presented by Australia, South Africa and Canada next November.