Matt Giteau scored all Australia’s points, but then missed with a point blank penalty that could have given the wallabies a 2-0 series triumph.
But instead, England clung on to their 21-20 lead to grab their first victory in the southern hemisphere since they won the Rugby World Cup in 2003.
Back at the same Sydney venue at which they so famously won the Webb Ellis Trophy against Australia seven years ago, England avenged their 10 point defeat in the first Test in Perth a week earlier as they gave themselves a massive boost ahead of next year’s World Cup tournament.
Tries from Leicester Tigers’ 20-year-old scrum half Ben Youngs and Northampton Saints wing Chris Ashton set England on their way and not even a shock penalty miss from Jonny Wilkinson in the closing minutes could deny Martin Johnson’s men.
Wilkinson’s miss came shortly after Giteau had failed to hit the target from in front of the posts, leaving England with their noses still ahead with only a handful of minutes left to play.
The Aussie outside half had played key roles in creating and scoring his side’s two tries and he also converted both and kicked two penalties.
