27 Oct 2013

Australia beat England in League World Cup opener

11:34 am on 27 October 2013

Australia has beaten England 28-20 in the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup in Cardiff.

The Kangaroos had to claw back from 10-0 down midway through the first half as England overcame a troubled build-up to make a bright start in the tournament opener.

Tim Sheens' tournament favourites ultimately had too much class in a match played under a closed roof at Millennium Stadium but they were left with plenty of room for improvement.

Five-eighth Johnathan Thurston was involved in most of the key moments for Australia while debutant Andrew Fifita made a strong contribution off the bench.

Italy beat Wales 32-16 in the other match.