Roos survive scare
MAL Meninga extended his unbeaten streak as Kangaroos coach to eight games after Australia held on to beat a spirited England 18-4 in their World Cup clash in Melbourne last night.
England showed they are going to be Australia’s greatest challenge to defending their World Cup crown after pushing the Kangaroos to their limits as they looked to cause a first game boilover.
Australia were kept scoreless for the first 35 minutes of the second half before a penalty goal and a runaway 80m kick-return try ensured their win. England failed to score again after opening with a try in the fifth minute.
Prop David Klemmer was Australia’s best, running for 162m, while Jake Trbojevic – who left the field late with an injured shoulder – and Billy Slater also started the tournament strongly.
England will rue the match as a missed opportunity but have the potential to beat Australia should they meet in the tournament final on December 2.
England’s woes were compounded with fears Sam Burgess’ tournament is over with a medial injury.
The star back-rower limped from the field late in the first half and did not return – watching on from the sidelines in a knee brace.
The home side were shocked early when England scored first through winger Jermaine McGillvary.
A suspect cutout pass from Gareth Widdop caught Australian winger Valentine Holmes and centre Josh Dugan short to allow for McGillvary to cross.
Australia’s attack lacked the fluency that has been synonymous with the Kangaroos in recent years.
But credit has to go to England’s steely defence.
They repelled three consecutive sets on their line as the Kangaroos tried to build pressure.
The usual pinpoint kicking game of Cooper Cronk was slightly off as the Australian half was targeted heavily by the England side and looked to be struggling with the extra attention after kicks.