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.
13. Second-row: Kai Pearce-Paul (no 12)
Probably England’s best forward, got some nice offloads away 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
14. Loose-forward Morgan Knowles (no 13)
Some strong work defensively, though a couple of errors with the ball 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
15. Sub: Jez Litten (no 14)
Conceded two points with an off-the-ball tackle on the stroke of half-time, booted a 40-20 and generally did okay 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
16. Sub: Alex Walmsley (no 15)
Didn’t add much go-forward and Angus Crichton cruised past him for the Aussies’ second try 4 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
17. Sub: Owen Trout (no 16)
Came on soon after half-time for his England debut, but the game was already drifting away 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
18. Sub: Mike McMeeken (no 17)
Pepped things up when he came on in the first half, should start next time 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com