Passions ran high in a hard-fought game

The Kangaroos, seemingly unaffected by Anderson's problems, made Britain pay for some slack defending when Brisbane Broncos second-rower Brad Meyers cruised over to extend their lead to 18-8.

The introduction of Leeds star Keith Senior was inspirational and the centre made two superb 60-metre runs.

But whereas Australia took advantage of their forays into the final third, the same could not be said for Britain.

To rub salt into the wounds, Australia stand-off Trent Barrett went over twice in the final 10 minutes to widen the gap to 20 points.

David Waite's Britain had a point to prove after their humiliating 40-12 defeat in the second Test last Saturday, and they made their intentions felt in the opening few minutes.

Sloppy play

Bradford Bulls' star Paul Deacon's kick was collected by Australia's Nathan Blacklock, but the winger was forced into touch.

From the resulting six, Gary Connolly played a superb pass into the hands of Paul Johnson, who made sure he gave Britain the perfect start from 10 metres out.

Lions' captain Andrew Farrell missed the extra, before he made amends by converting a penalty after sloppy play from the visitors.

The Kangaroos were clearly under pressure, but it was only a matter of time before Newcastle Knights scrum-half Andrew Johns began performing his party pieces.

He was unlucky not to have one grubber kick produce a try, but his second attempt found the hands of fullback Darren Lockyer, who took his chance well. Johns converted to tie the scores.

It was Great Britain's turn to be put under pressure, and despite the valiant efforts of St Helens' skipper Chris Joynt and Paul Anderson, it was only a matter of time before the Kangaroos broke their opponents' resistance again.

GB captain Farrell is brought to ground

Stand-off Barrett was the architect, timing his pass to Ben Kennedy to perfection.

The front-rower found Matthew Gidley, who glided over after the 30-minute mark.

Great Britain showed in the first half that they had the hunger for a fightback, but immediately after the restart, the Australians extended the lead.

Meyers found a gap in the Lions defence, after linking well with his backs, to sneak in. Johns' extra point made the scores 18-6.

Despite Senior's charges, it was the St George Illawarra powerhouse Barrett who put the icing on the cake for Australia with two well-taken tries.

It was a superb contest and Great Britain more than made amends for their lethargic display in Bolton, but it was Australia, once again, who proved that they are the best in the world.

Great Britain: Wellens, Pryce, Connolly, Senior, Johnson, Sculthorpe, Deacon, O'Connor, Forshaw, McDermott, Joynt, Fielden, Farrell. Replacements: Sinfield, Hodgson, Anderson, Peacock.

Australia: Lockyer, Blacklock, Gidley, Lyon, MacDougall, Barrett, Johns, Stevens, Buderus, Kearns, Carlaw, Kennedy, Fittler. Replacements: Anasta, Meyers, Civoniceva, Ryles.

Referee: Bill Harrigan (Australia).