Wallabies reclaim Cook Cup with Series Whitewash

The Wallabies are celebrating a 2-0 series victory over England to reclaim the Cook Cup after scoring an impressive 43-18 win at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne.

In front of a crowd of 41,278 fans, the Wallabies raced in six tries to two against an out-classed English side now in the midst of its worst losing sequence in 22 years. Coach John Connolly's new-look side appeared to improve on last week's scratchy performance and will look ahead to next Saturday night's clash with Ireland in Perth.

Fly half Stephen Larkham and fullback Chris Latham were instrumental in the majority of Australia's attacking moves. Larkham directed traffic with aplomb while man of the match Latham produced a flawless display before an accidental head knock saw him leave the field with ten minutes remaining.

While the visitors enjoyed significantly more time in possession than the Australians, particularly in the first half, they could not find their way through a virtually impregnable defence. Speedster Tom Varndell crossed in the final minute of the match for a consolation try but it was the only bright spot on an otherwise dirty night.

England dominated possession in the opening five minutes, pinning Australia in their own half and opening the scoring through a drop goal from fly half Andy Goode but the Wallabies responded immediately through flanker George Smith. Larkham kicked through on their first attacking move and Smith toed the loose ball forward into winger Tom Varndell, the rebound falling into Smith's arms and leaving him a clear 30-metre run to the line.

The Wallabies surged further ahead after 14 minutes when an English turnover resulted in a five-metre scrum that saw Larkham launch a cross field kick to England's left wing. Mark Gerrard leapt high over opponent Matthew Tait to score a spectacular try, captain Stirling Mortlock failing with his conversion attempt but his side enjoyed a 12-3 advantage.

Australia's front row combination suffered a blow when Rodney Blake, try-scoring hero from last week, left the field after only 25 minutes with an ankle injury, England doubling the pain with a penalty goal from Goode to reduce the margin to 12-6.

The English tried valiantly to close the gap but were continually forced back by rock solid Wallaby defence. Lote Tuqiri made the visitors pay with a try three minutes before half time, Chris Latham charging through four would-be tacklers before positioning Tuqiri perfectly on his inside to cross untouched. Mortlock's conversion gave the home side a handy 19-6 advantage at half time.

After the break, it was Australia's turn to dominate the early exchanges with some thrilling attacking play, highlighted by a second high-flying grab from Gerrard that looked right at home in AFL-mad Melbourne.

Mark Chisholm, playing at flanker, crossed for Australia's fourth try after 45 minutes when he received a short pass from Larkham on a second phase play that left the flat-footed defence floundering.

England responded swiftly by scoring their first try of the series through the unlikely source of hooker George Chuter, his dummy opening a gap that allowed him to sprint 30 metres to the line.

George Gregan replaced halfback Sam Cordingley after 55 minutes to break the World record for Test appearances, taking the field for the 120th time for Australia.

His teammates helped him celebrate with a second try to Gerrard, Gregan and Larkham heavily involved as they cut through the English backs and the winger finished the move to blow the lead out to 36-11.

Larkham then heaped further misery on the English when he charged onto a slick pass from replacement back Cameron Shepherd to score a well deserved try.

Shepherd had received an offload from Tuqiri after the winger bustled his way deep into England territory. Varndell's late try improved the final scoreline but barely saved face for his outclassed team.

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