England's campaign at the Rugby League World Cup has begun with a 28-20 defeat to Australia at the Millennium Stadium.
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After weathering a strong start by Australia, tries from Ryan Hall and Leroy Cudjoe helped England to a 10-0 lead early in the first half.
However, the nine-time World Cup winners fought back, as Johnathan Thurston and Greg Bird both found the try line to give the Kangaroos a narrow lead, before Billy Slater made it 18-10 at half time.
Australia extended their advantage early in the second half through a Brett Morris score, but George Burgess was able to get England back into the match with a try at the other end moments later.
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Darius Boyd was able to extend the lead with another try for Australia inside the last 10 minutes, before Josh Charnley sprinted from the half-way line to give England some late hope, but they were unable to add to their score again, securing a winning start to the tournament for the world's top-ranked team.
Sian Cowper
