England overcame a passionate Lebanon to earn their first success of the World Cup with a comfortable 29-10 victory at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Leeds winger Ryan Hall was among the try-scorers, taking his record tally for his country to 33 in 34 Tests as Wayne Bennett’s men eased their way to a predictable success on a cool, wet night in Sydney.
England were far from impressive, however, and the match was marred by an allegation of biting levelled by Lebanon captain Robbie Farah against winger Jermaine McGillvary, which will be reviewed by tournament officials on Monday.
Tweet of the match
.@SamBurgess8 and @burgessgeorge LOVING @Thomas_Burgess pulling out the step again ???? pic.twitter.com/wxpVQUbAfv
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) November 4, 2017
@England_RL captured the brothers’ celebrations following the second-half try.
Pivotal moment
When Hall squeezed over at the corner on 27 minutes, he appeared to lose control of the ball in the act of scoring but video referee Phil Bentham did not find sufficient evidence to overturn match referee Ben Thaler’s call and so awarded the try. England were only 12-6 ahead up to that point but the score enabled them to establish a cushion.
Key man
Coach Wayne Bennett’s decision to run with one hooker meant an especially long shift for Josh Hodgson, who put in a prodigious effort until given a breather just before the end.
How they rated
What’s next?
Sunday, November 12: England v France, Perth.
