Australia overcame a ten-point deficit to take the lead at half-time in a pulsating opening to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Tries from Johnathan Thurston, Greg Bird and Billy Slater, all converted by Thurston saw Australia lead 18-10 at the interval at the Millennium Stadium.
England’s left wing Ryan Hall went over in the left corner after eight minutes in a pre-planned move. Then, four minutes after George Burgess had a try claim denied by the video referee, centre Leroy Cudjoe snapped up a Kevin Sinfield crossfield kick to score England’s second.
England had dominated territory and possession in the opening 20 minutes but when Australia gained some ball they responded with a Johnathan Thurston try after Greg Inglis had collected a Cooper Cronk kick.
Bird went over from a Thurston pass before Slater raced away with a try right on the interval.
