JASON ROBINSON (FULL-BACK) 8

This could have been his last game of rugby and showed he still has a great appetite for the game. Solid in defence, he was also a constant threat in attack and surprisingly was often England's best kicker in open play.

PAUL SACKEY (WING) 7

In the past has been accused of losing concentration at key times, but showed maturity in defence as well as some glimpses of his ability with ball in hand. Took the high ball well and chased well, too. England's number-one winger.

MATHEW TAIT (CENTRE) 5

Didn't miss many tackles but was occasionally thrown back in contact by Mortlock and other powerful Australian backs. Struggled to make a huge impact in attack, though showed a few glimpses of his true potential.

MIKE CATT (CENTRE) 6

Had he held on to Wilkinson's hurried pass just after the interval, England would have been ahead with a try under the posts. The veteran had a mixed kicking game, but was a welcome cool head outside Wilkinson.

JOSH LEWSEY (WING) 6

Showed a fizz and subtlety his game has been lacking recently and was always solid in defence where he linked well with Robinson. Solid in attack, though lacks the blistering pace to go outside most international wingers.

JONNY WILKINSON (FLY-HALF) 6

His place kicking was uncharacteristically wayward, missing two kickable chances in the first half and more in the second. Also missed with drop goal attempts. His kicking in open play was also poor. But did kick the penalties that won the game.

ANDY GOMARSALL (SCRUM-HALF) 8

Possibly the revelation of the tournament for England. Apart from one poor late kick, a near faultless display, and showed plenty of guts too after getting an early cut. Completely outplayed Gregan.

ANDREW SHERIDAN (PROP) MAN OF THE MATCH 9

A lot was expected of the huge prop and he did not disappoint. From the kick off he took the Australian pack to the cleaners. He not only destroyed the Australia front row but punched holes in the defence with a number of bullocking runs. As the game went on it was England's supremacy at the scrum that was decisive. England can now claim to have a true world-class prop forward.

MARK REGAN (HOOKER) 6

Picked to add some snarl to the forwards and some bite to the set scrum, so can pat himself on the back for that. Made a critical early error and was not as prominent in the loose as he can be but the coaches will be happy with their selection.

PHIL VICKERY (PROP, CAPT) 7

Was part of a great effort in the tight five that put the Australia under pressure from the start. Also showed some good touches in the loose with a few powerful runs. Tired after the interval.

SIMON SHAW (LOCK) 8

A far from flawless performance as he gave away some penalties and spilled a few passes. But showed an amazing physical presence that upset the Australian pack. Was prominent in the line-out. Possibly his best display in an England shirt.

BEN KAY (LOCK) 6

Overshadowed by the rest of the tight five and unusually quiet in the line-out. Was lively around the pitch however and at least didn't drop any crucial passes in front of the try line. Maybe more to come from him on Saturday.

MARTIN CORRY (FLANKER) 6

Seems happier playing for England when unburdened by captaincy. Had a quietly effective game without ever quite being at his very best. The main issue is that, with him and Easter playing together, the back row has power but not much pace.

LEWIS MOODY (FLANKER) 7

Typically frenetic performance. Hasn't played much rugby in recent times. His game may sometimes lack finesse and one or two passes went astray, but his aggression in the loose was a key factor in the pack's utter dominance. Kept his discipline.

NICK EASTER (No 8) 8

After an untidy start began to make his strength count both will ball in hand and at ruck and maul. At times he was able to take on two or three defenders, providing space and momentum for his team. Growing in stature as the tournament progresses.

ENGLAND REPLACEMENTS

George Chuter (replaced Regan) 6 Did all he needed to do when came on, keeping the scrum going forward. Matt Stevens (replaced Vickery) 7 When he came on his power and dynamism in the loose showed why he is worth a starting place. Lawrence Dallaglio (replaced Easter) Joe Worsley (replaced Moody) 6 Gave away daft penalty at end that could have cost the match but managed a few trademark tackles. Toby Flood (replaced Catt) Little chance to shine but one dummy late on showed a touch of composure and class.

AUSTRALIA STAR MAN

CHRIS LATHAM (FULL-BACK) 7

Showed why he is the best full-back in the world with a fine all round display. Typically destructive run in the first half set up the try.

MARKS OUT OF TEN

A Ashley-Cooper 4; S Mortlock (capt) 6 M Giteau 6 L Tuqiri 6; B Barnes 6 G Gregan 5; M Dunning 4 S Moore 4 G Shepherdson 3 N Sharpe 6 D Vickerman 5 R Elsom 6 G Smith 6 W Palu 5 Replacements A Freier 5 P Waugh 5 D Mitchell 6