Australia wins their 11th World Cup after tough battle with England

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Australia Men v England Men

Australia won the match 6-0, the lowest score in a World Cup final in a dour clash against a spirited England side.

Australia kicked off and James Graham took the first hit up, where he was met heavily in a tackle that saw him a little worse for wear after a head clash with Josh McGuire in the tackle. Graham suffered a small cut above his eye, but stayed on.

It took six minutes before the first error, a knock-on by England and it wasn't until almost the tenth minute before the first stoppage in play courtesy of a penalty to Australia after Cameron Smith was hit high with an accidental yet sloppy tackle attempt

Australia dominated possession from there and 5 minutes later Boyd Cordner ran a strong, hard and straight line to barge over for the only try of the first half. Smith converted.

England's big men took the fight to the Kangaroos but were unable to find a way through. Ryan Hall was given a very slim chance in the 20th minute, but the Australian edge defence put him into touch quickly, snuffing out the scoring chance.

The game was a constant back and forth struggle by both sides to close out the half. With ten second to go, Cooper Cronk attempted to kick a field goal, but it was charged down by James Roby. Australia lead at the break 6-0.

The second half was a tough battle of attrition, with neither sides defence allowing their opposition to score. The 47th minute saw Michael Morgan cross for a try, only to have it recalled after Jordan McLean's lead up work saw him run behind Cameron Smith.

The 65th minute saw McGillvary sneak through out wide but was brought down by the slightest of ankle taps by Josh Dugan. England earnt a repeat set and sent the ball out wide, but Widdop's pass went behind McGillvary and into touch.

Valentine Holmes almost snatched an intercept but couldn't hold the ball with 9 minutes left on the clock. England had the lion's share of attacking field position in the final ten minutes, but a pair of knock-ons by Thomas Burgess early in sets ruined their scoring chances. Australia held on to win 6-0.