NewsBite

LIVE

Rugby League World Cup: Australia v England in tournament opener

THE Kangaroos have kicked off their World Cup defence with a tough 18-4 win over England in Melbourne — check out how it unfolded.

less than 2 min read
October 27, 2017 - 10:26PM

THE Kangaroos have shaken off a rusty start to open their Rugby League World Cup defence with a gritty 18-4 win over England.

But in what could be a major blow to England’s tournament hopes, star forward Sam Burgess limped from AAMI Park on Friday night with a first-half knee injury and failed to return. MATCH CENTRE: Australia v England –— full scores, statistics Re-live all the action from Melbourne in our blog below.

Live Updates

FULL-TIME: AUSTRALIA 18 BEATS ENGLAND 4

There it is! The Kangaroos have held on to kick off their World Cup defence with a tough 18-4 win over England, centre Josh Dugan sealing the win with a late runaway try. The English threw everything at Australia and should take plenty out of their performance, but Mal Meninga’s men always looked like they just had enough which, as the final scoreline suggests, they did. England come out of the loss with a major injury concern, with Sam Burgess failing to return to the field after injuring his knee late in the first half. All in all, an entertaining start to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

73 MINUTES: AUSTRALIA 10 LEAD ENGLAND 4

Take a bow, Dane Gagai! The Kangaroos debutant pulls off a huge play for his side, bundling Ryan Hall into touch just as the big England winger looked set to barge over in the corner. Gagai got a bit of help from Billy Slater to complete the tackle and that could prove crucial as full-time edges closer.

68 MINUTES: AUSTRALIA 10 LEAD ENGLAND 4

Was that England’s chance? They’re gifted possession as Billy Slater makes a rare error, dropping a bomb on his own try-line. It’s the perfect chance for England to hit back, and they almost do – only for Slater to atone for his error by cleaning up a grubber from Josh Hodgson. Was that the right option from the England hooker? 

62 MINUTES: AUSTRALIA 10 LEAD ENGLAND 4

We’re into the final 20 minutes and England is still right in this. In fact the English have arguably looked the better side in the past five minutes or so as they chase a match-levelling try. Aaaaand just as I type that Jermaine McGillvary coughs up possession deep in England’s own territory. The Kangaroos with an excellent chance to extend their lead. Meanwhile, Josh Dugan has returned for Australia after passing his HIA.

55 MINUTES: AUSTRALIA 10 LEAD ENGLAND 4

A bad few minutes for England. First there’s the news that Sam Burgess won’t return after injuring his knee. Then they can’t capitalise on some good field position as they try and battle their way back into the match. 

48 MINUTES: AUSTRALIA 10 LEAD ENGLAND 4

An entertaining – if somewhat sloppy – start to the second half. England almost had the perfect start as they got on the attack courtesy of a nice break from try-scorer Jermaine McGillvary, but Australia held them out. Still no sign of the injured Sam Burgess. Meanwhile Kangaroos centre Josh Dugan has gone off for a HIA.

HALF-TIME: AUSTRALIA 10 LEAD ENGLAND 4

That’ll do it for the first half as England repels one final Australian attack. Tries to Matt Gillett and Billy Slater have the Aussies ahead as we break for half-time. England opened the scoring through Jermaine McGillvary and looked strong for the opening 20, but Australia has dominated possession and territory and finally converted that to points on the scoreboard. Of huge concern to England is an injury to Sam Burgess, who left the field for treatment in the shadows of half-time. 

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/rugby-league-world-cup-australia-v-england-in-tournament-opener/live-coverage/5b5284b80831a30619ecc8a2ca5b6334