South African-born Clyde Rathbone was Australia's accidental hero with a three-try effort to down England 51-15 in tonight's Rugby World Cup final rematch at Suncorp Stadium.

Rathbone, one of only two starting Wallabies not involved in last November's Cup final loss, was a last-minute inclusion after Wendell Sailor broke down in the pre-match warm-up.

Sailor's sorrow at a strained hamstring quickly turned into the 22-year-old Brumbies flyer's joy as he finished off two inspired Australian backline moves in the 19th and 40th minutes.

He then backed up at a crucial moment in the second half to score a brilliant individual try with a deft grubber and toe ahead to gift the home side a 29-15 lead.

The win put a trophy into the Wallabies "empty" cabinet with the Cook Cup, the symbol of Australia-England rugby supremacy, returning south after a five year absence.

A converted try midway through the second half to replacement hooker Jeremy Paul, created by man of the match Joe Roff who scored 21-points, killed off the tourists.

The Wallabies found the ruthless streak Eddie Jones had been asking for to romp to their second-ever biggest win over England.

World Cup revenge wasn't the motivation for the Wallabies but few in the record 52,492-strong Suncorp crowd who cheered on all six tries against the sloppy world champions seemed to care.

The victory, earnt largely on the back of a 21-8 first-half, sent England crashing to its third straight thumping on a forgettable Australasian tour.

Fullback Roff gave the last pass for Rathbone's two first-half tries.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP