Australia rack up half century against Ireland

The Australian Kangaroos have recorded their third straight victory in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with a 50-0 victory over Ireland at Thomond Park in Limerick. A crowd of 5,021 watched on the wet conditions played their part in the contest.

Australia wasted no time as they jumped to a 4-0 after just 3 minutes as Brent Tate broke the Irish defence to send Jarryd Hayne over down the western sideline.

Cooper Cronk extended Australia's lead with a solo effort which saw him dart over through three defenders to score. Australia ahead 10-0 after 12 minutes.

The one-sided penalty count was the telling factor in the first half as Ireland conceded 9-1 penalties. Possession swung heavily in favour of Australia, this was converted into points as Daly Cherry-Evans, Brett Morris and Billy Slater crossed for the Kangaroos to finish off the first 40 minutes.

At half time, Australia held a commanding 26-0 lead of Ireland.

The second half saw Australia record their highest points tally of the World Cup as they racked up a half century.

Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans were brilliant in the halves and both rewarded with tries in the second 40 minutes. Cherry-Evans claimed his four-pointer in the 61st minute as he kicked ahead for himself to sail over for the Kangaroos, Australia led 38-0.

Cronulla Sharks' combination of Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita linked together in the closing stages to extend Australia's lead to 44-0 as Fifita rampaged through the Ireland goal line defence.

Jarryd Hayne seal the victory as he darted over the goal line courtesy of a Robbie Farah short pass. Corey Parker converted to give Australia their 50 point win.

Australia will now play the USA Tomahawks next weekend in their first quarter-final match.

Match Details
Australia 50 Ireland 0
Venue: Thomond Park
Crowd: 5021
Halftime Score: Australia 26-0

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Andrew Fifita
2 points - Daly Cherry-Evans
1 point - James Tamou

AUSTRALIA (50)
Tries: Jarryd Hayne (2), Cooper Cronk (2), Greg Bird, Brett Morris, Billy Slater, Daly Cherry-Evans, Andrew Fifita
Field Goals: nil
Conversions: Cameron Smith (3/5), Corey Parker (4/4)
Penalty Goals: nil