England calls for crackdown on Kangaroos slowing ruck

ENGLAND coach Wayne Bennett has set the scene for a fiery World Cup final, calling for a Kangaroo crackdown amid claims Mal Meninga’s Australia are employing illegal spoiling tactics.

News Corp Australia can reveal the English camp has compiled a dossier on Australia’s defence, detailing 26 incidents that show Kangaroos players deliberately slowing the ruck.

The “piggyback” tactic allegedly involves Kangaroos stars attacking ball carriers in numbers. Bennett is concerned Australia’s third defender has no interest in attempting to make a tackle, instead laying on top of a Kangaroos teammate to spoil the ruck and halt the opposition’s momentum.

The English believe the main culprits are Kangaroos forward trio Aaron Woods, Cameron Smith and Tyson Frizell.

Bennett raised the matter with NRL referees boss Tony Archer after their tournamentopening 18- 4 loss to Australia and warned officials not to let the Kangaroos ruin the World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium.

“All I want is a game of football out of this final. We want an opportunity to play some football,” Bennett said.

“There is a continued issue with the ruck. The ruck is slow – in fact it’s too slow.

“If the World Cup final is going to be the showcase of our sport, it’s important the refs are on their game and doing everything they can to create a good spectacle.”

Bennett was stunned by Smith’s public lashing of the match officials three weeks ago, when the Australian skipper threatened to slow the play- the- ball after their 34- 0 defeat of Lebanon.