Wallabies defence coach Nathan Grey has given short shrift to the suggestion trying to avoid a English whitewash will provide Australia with extra motivation in Sydney following losses in Brisbane and Melbourne.

Michael Cheika’s side’s are licking their wounds following a first series loss on home soil to their old rivals but Grey says the players are no more inspired to win than usual ahead of the third showdown against Eddie Jones’ team.

“I think every time the Australian jersey runs out the field the motivation is exactly the same, so there’s no extra motivation this week at all,” Grey said.

“The players are very focused and the coaching staff on preparing the best way we can possibly prepare and then deliver a performance we can be proud of.

“That’s sort of been lacking in our last two games for a full 80 minute performance, so that’s been the focus.”

As a defence coach Grey appreciated more most England’s rearguard effort in the second Test.

“It’s a good effort by them, it’s obviously something they’ve put a lot of work into in terms of their preparation and playing over in Australia,” Grey said.

“I’m sure they are sitting back pretty happy with the way they are going.”

Despite limited attacking opportunities England outscored Australia two tries to one in Melbourne.

“In terms of England’s attack with ball in hand they haven’t really thrown that much at us, but they’ve been able to get points on the back of their defensive effort so that’s something they’d be seeing as a real positive,” he said.

England did a good job of isolating Wallabies’ five-eighth Bernard Foley in Melbourne, but Grey insisted Australia had a number of players who could help out at first receiver.

He backed the team leaders to make the right calls on the field after some debate over their penalty options late in Saturday’s game.

“We always back what the leadership on the field want to do, we have a clear plan,” Grey said.