TOO LATE, MATE: Jonny Wilkinson of England clears the ball past Wallaby George Smith during yesterday's match at Twickenham

Johnny Wilkinson opened his first match at Twickenham since 2002 with a coolly slotted early drop goal and, with England's Steve Borthwick dominant in the lineout, England set up an early platform for success. The drop was followed by an equally assured penalty from Wilkinson as England spent the first 15 minutes in Australia's half.

As the nerves dissipated, so the Wallabies began to reel England in.

A promising blindside move featuring Peter Hynes was summarily dealt with but the balance of play was tilting towards the men in the gold and green.

A fine midfield foray featuring Quade Cooper and Matt Giteau was halted close to the England line; from the subsequent ruck the ball was re-cycled quick enough for Australia's quicksilver scrumhalf, Will Genia, to dart over after sloppy policing of the ruck's fringes by England's loosies.

The conversion was missed and with Wilkinson succeeding with a straightforward penalty moments later, England were able to re-establish a cushion, leading 9-5 at this stage.

There followed a frenetic passage of play with both teams ranging forward enthusiastically, both losing the ball by coughing it up in the tackle.

The action alternated from end to end, neither side able to convert rhythm or intent into points.

Ben Alexander, the Australia prop, probably had the best chances of the latter stages of the half as he barrelled for the line before being reeled in. Australia came again but were kept at bay by an excellent defensive effort from England.

Australia started the second half with ferocious intent. They rolled downfield impressively and after a succession of rampaging darts for the line, captain Rocky Elsom was set to offload a vital scoring pass when he was tackled and unable to get the ball away. Australia, though, earned a penalty, England's lead narrowing to a single point.

As the half rumbled on, England were reduced to heroic defending. They seldom attacked the Wallabies' line and looked largely bereft of attacking vision. Wycliff Palu came close for the visitors, England collapsed a scrum shortly afterwards and Giteau punched the ball between the uprights for Australia to lead for the first time.

Losing the lead seemed to concentrate the collective England resolve. They rolled forward, coming close, but not breaching the line.

Indeed, it was Australia who scored, Adam Ashley-Cooper powering over with sheer force and power.