After all the hype, the Kangaroos proved a cut above, powering into a 26-0 lead before Daryl Clark’s late try, converted by Mikey Lewis, gave the record 60,812 crowd something to celebrate. It was a tough afternoon for England who now need to regroup ahead of next Saturday’s second match at Everton. Here’s how the England players rated.
7. Stand-off: George Williams (no 6)
Tested the Aussies at times in the opening stanza, dropped the ball darting for the line early in the second half 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
8. Scrum-half: Mikey Lewis (no 7)
The Aussie defence shut him down and he wasn't allowed to pose a threat 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
9. Prop: Ethan Havard (no 8)
Didn’t do a lot wrong, but couldn’t impose himself either 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
10. Hooker: Daryl Clark (no 9)
Was steady in his first spell without creating anything, went over from close range for England’s only try late on 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
11. Prop: Matty Lees (no 10)
Similar to Havard, unable to get enough go-forward against a superior pack 5 Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
12. Second-row: John Bateman (no 11)
Did a decent job defensively, but nothing outstanding with ball in hand 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com