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 Englands try-drought with touchdowns in each half following sustained pressure, the world champions were punished by Australias 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 Tuqiris solo run and touchdown.

It was Englands fourth successive loss - equalling their worst sequence of results since head coach Sir Clive Woodward took charge almost seven years ago - and ended their summer tour without a Test win.

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

England, with so many talismanic figures from their 2003 RBS 6 Nations and World Cup double missing through injuries, retirements or tour unavailability, were outclassed.

However, they can look to 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 Rathbones finishing power left them floundering.

Wallabies full-back Joe Roff chipped in with 21 points from the boot as Englands season ended in defeat.