World Cup: Australia, England off to a flyer

England got their World Cup campaign off to the best possible start with a 60-6 win against an injury hit Samoa side at St James Park.

Knights winger Dom Young and Raiders forward Elliott Whitehead scored two tries apiece as the host nation made a statement about their World Cup ambitions in the opening match of the tournament.

Samoa were not helped by injuries after Braden Hamlin-Uele (calf), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (ankle) and Tyrone May (hip) all failed to finish the match on Sunday and are expected to be ruled out of the World Cup.

The main takeaways

• Roosters lock Victor Radley was named man-of-the-match as England's six NRL players all had an impact.  
• Samoa halfback Anthony Milford was sin-binned midway through the second half for a late tackle on England captain Sam Tomkins.
• England scored four tries while Samoa were down to 12 men and another two after Milford's return.
• Panthers centre Izack Tago scored Samoa's only try when he intercepted a Jack Welsby pass and ran 60 metres to score.
• Samoa stars Braden Hamlin-Uele (leg), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (ankle) and Tyrone May (hip) all suffered injuries during the match.
• 43,119 fans filled the stands at St James' Park in Newcastle to watch the competition's opening match.

Star performers

Rooster Victor Radley was sensational in his debut for England, taking home the player of the match award, while outside backs Dominic Young and Jack Welsby ran riot as the Samoa defence tired.

What the result means

The win all but guarantees England will finish top of Pool A as they play France at Bolton on October 22 and Greece in Sheffield a week later.

Samoa are now on a collision course for a quarter-final showdown with Tonga, assuming they finish second in Pool A and their Pacific rivals top Pool D.

Recap

• Young, Radley star as England stun injury-hit Samoa
• Injuries: Tyrone May (dislocated hip), Braden Hamlin-Uele (calf), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (ankle)

Defending champions Australia took some time to find their feet and conceded the first try but clicked into gear for a 42-8 win in Leeds.

Five-eighth Cameron Munster and hooker Harry Grant were superb for Australia and winger Josh Addo-Carr bagged a double.

Test debutant Reuben Cotter faces a mandatory stand down after he failed his HIA following a head clash with Tui Kamikamica.

The main takeaways

• Harry Grant staked a huge claim to come into the starting side at hooker for Australia's next game.
• A crowd of 13,366 was on hand at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
• Cameron Munster was at his mercurial best as he secured the player of the match award in his fifth Test match for Australia.
• Angus Crichton stood tall on debut for Australia with 197 running metres, six tackle breaks, 32 tackles and a try in a wholehearted 80-minute display.
• Daly Cherry-Evans was quiet at halfback and will be under pressure from Nathan Cleary to retain the halfback job.
• World Cup rules stipulate that a player who suffers a concussion must be rested for 11 days so Reuben Cotter won't be available for Australia's next match against Scotland.
• Kangaroos centre Val Holmes was perfect with the boot, landing seven conversions from seven attempts.
• Fijian forwards Viliame Kikau and Tui Kamikamica both passed their HIAs in a big boost for the Bati ahead of their second match against Italy.

Star performers

Five-eighth Cameron Munster showed his class throughout the Test and was rewarded with the player of the match award. Munster conducted his star-studded left edge in style with Angus Crichton, Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr all finding the stripe during the match. 

What the result means

The Bati will now set their sights on clashes against Italy and Scotland as they look to secure second spot in the Pool behind Australia, who are sure to finish top and build towards a likely semi-final showdown with New Zealand.

Recap

• Kangaroos kick off title defence with big win over Bati
• Injuries: Reuben Cotter (head knock)