Discipline costs England

Matt Giteau kicked 20 points and Stirling Mortlock landed a long-range effort as England were punished for conceding careless penalties.

England had led 14-12 early in the second half following a try from Nick Easter shortly before the interval but the Wallabies then pulled clear. Adam Ashley-Cooper sealed the victory for Australia with a try in the closing minutes.

The pattern began early. Easter forced George Smith backwards with a huge tackle but Tom Rees was over-eager at the breakdown and was penalised for going off his feet and Giteau slotted the kick before repeating the feat moments later when England captain Steve Borthwick was penalised for being offside.

Australia's lineout was loose and when a clearance fell to Delon Armitage, the London Irish full-back lined up a long-range drop-goal. It was ugly but effective and got England on the board.

Giteau slotted two more simple penalties after England had been caught with their hands in the ruck and then offside in their own 22.

England responded in typical Johnson fashion, keeping the ball tight and driving straight towards the Australian posts. Sheridan ploughed through three defenders but he was narrowly short of the line.

Sheridan went off to have a cut dressed but England's pack set the platform and Easter was driven over for the try. Danny Cipriani missed the conversion - but slotted a penalty just before the interval to bring England back within a point.

England kept the pressure on early in the second half and Cipriani nudged them ahead with a penalty but England were penalised at a five-metre scrum and Giteau landed the first of two quick penalties as Australia regained the advantage.

From there the Wallabies pulled clear. Australia, who had not been held tryless in 11 previous Test matches this year, produced a spark of invention with great hands from Giteau, Cross and Mortlock created a massive overlap for Ashley-Cooper to score.