For the third time in as many games, the hosts competed for spells, but couldn’t turn pressure into points and were well beaten in the end. England hit back from 12-0 down to trail by only four points at half-time and had Australia on the ropes during the third quarter, but the breakthrough wouldn’t come and the Kangaroos counter-attacked to run in three tries in the last 20 minutes, two of them to Reece Walsh.
Josh Addo-Carr, Hudson Young and Harry Grant got the others, all converted by Nathan Cleary. Australian stand-off Cameron Munster was named player of the series. Jez Litten created England’s try. Harry Smith converted and added a penalty in front of a sell out crowd of 19,500. Here’s how the England players rated.
13. Second-row: Kai Pearce-Paul (no 12)
Put the effort in, but needed to get his hands on the ball more 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
14. Loose-forward Morgan Knowles (no 13)
Knock-on led to the Kangaroos’ second try, but physical in defence 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
15. Sub: Mikey Lewis (no 7)
Came on after 11 early at full-back; made some errors and conceded a game-breaking penalty 4 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
16. Sub: Alex Walmsley (no 15)
Made a positive difference when he came on before half-time 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
17. Sub: Morgan Smithies (no 16)
Also had an impact, helped England get on the front foot leading into the break 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
18. Sub: Mikolaj Oledzki (no 17)
Birthday boy put in a solid shift and made some strong carries; but only got 20 minutes after half-time or the mark would’ve been higher 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com