Was this the greatest World Cup con-trick of them all?

England, despite being beaten by New Zealand in the pool stages, had progressed through the tournament by relying on their forwards and the kicking of fly-half Rob Andrew, a limited strategy derided by outspoken Wallaby winger David Campese.

Perhaps that goading played a role in England's surprise decision to try and play a more expansive game in the final. The tactic, however, backfired as England lost out 12-6 in front of 75,000 fans at Twickenham.

The game was decided by a solitary try, set up by a break off the back of a line-out by Willie Ofahengaue. Prop Tony Daly then burrowed over for the touchdown.

The brilliantly gifted Campese, who scored six tries in the tournament, played another crucial role in the final when he knocked on an English pass to winger Rory Underwood with the try-line looming.

England argued that they should have been awarded a penalty try for a deliberate infringement, but their protests were waved away by Welsh referee Derek Bevan.

The Australia team, captained by Nick Farr-Jones, was packed with household names, among them Michael Lynagh, Tim Horan and John Eales. The English side was equally populated with leading players such as Will Carling, Underwood, Andrew, Brian Moore and Peter Winterbottom.

The third-place play-off saw New Zealand beat Scotland 13-6.