The Rugby League World Cup kicked off Friday with the defending champion Australia Kangaroos defeating heated rival England 18-4.

England took an early lead thanks to a try from Jermaine McGillvary, but  after some battling, Australia saw Matt Gillett and then Billy Slater bulled through three defenders to score a second one just minutes later. Cameron Smith converted Gillett’s effort and Australia led 10-4 at the break.

England’s defense held superbly through the second half, and only in the final five minutes did the Kangaroos get a Smith penalty and then a Josh Dugan try on an interception just as England threatened, (converted by Smith) to finish off the game. 

The stats for the game were relatively even, with Australia enjoying 52% of possession, but getting more bang for their buck when the ‘Roos did run the ball - averaging about 11% more meters per carry than the English, and breaking the defensive line seven times to England’s three.

Australia was also marginally better in tackle percentage, but with the added time off possession, that all added up to three tries to one.

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