MELBOURNE (REUTERS) - Owen Farrell broke clear for a late try to fire England to a 23-7 win over the Wallabies in Melbourne on Saturday, and ensure his rugby team would celebrate their first series win on Australian soil.

The enterprising playmaker kicked the ball over the line before touching down for the winner in the 75th minute to seal the three-match series 2-0 at Melbourne's Rectangular Stadium.

Playing at inside centre, Farrell also slotted five out of six shots at goal, with captain Dylan Hartley scoring the tourists' only other try in the first half of an enthralling and sometimes spite-filled encounter.

Australia were held scoreless for 35 minutes before Stephen Moore touched down in a rolling maul and were denied a second try time and again by brilliant English defence.