Player ratings: Close, but no cigar
Their discipline is what let them down most, with six Owen Farrell penalties ultimately the difference – despite the Wallabies outscoring the English by five tries to four.
Overall it was the Wallabies' best showing of the series, but also showed up some glaring shortcomings.
Jan de Koning rates the Australian players:
15 Israel Folau:
He looked dangerous with ball in hand and asked some questions of the England defence. Improved throughout the series.
7/10
14 Dane Haylett-Petty:
Scored his first Test try and had a number of strong runs that suggest he is here to stay.
7/10
13 Tevita Kuridrani:
Solid in defence, but was well-marked by the England tacklers and struggled to impose himself with ball in hand.
6/10
12 Matt Toomua:
Was very effective with ball in hand, finding some gaps in the English defence and was solid on defence.
7/10
11 Rob Horne:
Was reduced mostly to a defensive role in the first half and was far from flawless at that – in fact he missed more tackles than he made.
4/10
10 Bernard Foley:
Had one or two decent runs in the first half, but question marks remain about his defence, while his clearance for touch was at time shocking.
5/10
9 Nick Phipps:
Fall off a couple of tackles too easily and should focus on the ball, rather than complain every time he knocks on.
5/10
8 Sean McMahon:
Not only was he one of the best defenders, but also the Wallabies' most effective ball carrier – his workrate imply phenomenal.
8/10
7 Michael Hooper:
He was very busy and won a couple of crucial turnovers, but slipped far too many tackles.
5/10
6 Scott Fardy:
Was not as effective as normal and also a lot more subdued. Also slipped a few tackles.
5/10
5 Rob Simmons:
Was very quiet after taking a knock to the shoulder early in the first half – should probably have been replaced long before half-time.
5/10
4 Will Skelton:
Brought the physicality that Australia lacked in the first two Tests, but still plays like a bully and lacks discipline – conceding several penalties. He could be much better if he uses his bulk in a more constructive way.
6/10
3 Sekope Kepu:
Powerful in the scrums and solid on defence. His workrate could be better.
6/10
2 Stephen Moore (captain):
Kept plugging away, working hard, and made all his tackles. Steady, rather than spectacular.
6/10
1 James Slipper:
Outside McMahon Australia's most productive player – making 15 tackles. Also stood his ground in the scrums … mostly.
8/10
Replacements:
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau (on for Moore, 62nd min):
Made no real impact and had a poor workrate.
4/10
17 Scott Sio (on for Slipper, 58th min):
His scrumming was solid and made all his tackles. His workrate could improve.
6/10
18 Greg Holmes (on for Kepu, 58th min):
Had a poor game, missing as many tackles as he made, and made no impact outside the set pieces.
4/10
19 Adam Coleman (on for Simmons, 41st min):
Relished the opportunity to get an extended run – winning some crucial line-outs, made all his tackles and worked very hard outside the set pieces.
7/10
20 Wycliff Palu (on for Skelton, 51st min):
Father time has caught up with him, although he made all his tackles.
6/10
21 Nick Frisby:
Not used.
22 Christian Leali'ifano (on for Toomua, 68th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
23 Taqele Naiyaravoro (on for Horne, 68th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
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