Two tries, both unconverted, in the space of four minutes for Stephen Jones and then Colin Charvis saw Wales lead 10-3 at half-time, but during a 20-minute purple patch Wales allowed England back in the game with their only try of the game, through Will Greenwood, and then let the pressure show conceeding a series of penalties that Wilkinson dispatched with ease.

Martyn Williams came off the bench to score a try, as he did against Tonga earlier in the tournament, and Iestyn Harris added the conversion to set up an exciting climax, but Wilkinson's boot proved the difference - with Wales having missed a possible ten points at goal - slotting over a drop goal with the last kick of the game.

Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium errupted when Jones finished off a sparkling attack by Shane Williams who had danced through the English defence. Moments later and skipper Charvis dived through the crowd from a well-organised lineout move to take Wales clear.

Will Greenwood responded for England after Jason Robinson returned Gareth Cooper's kick before Wilkinson did the damage with the boot - making Wales pay for their indiscipline. Wales had their chances to come back but it wasn't until replacement Ceri Sweeney's cross field kick field fell kindly for Martyn Williams that they got to within eight points nine minutes remaining, but it proved too little too late as England hung on.