Nathan Cleary’s highly-anticipated Kangaroos debut is living up to the billing.
The superstar halfback has set up three tries and scored one of his own against Scotland, and has 26 points to his name with five minutes to play.
MATCH CENTRE: Australia v Scotland, updates, teams, stats, videos
In the first half, Australia crossed through Cleary, Angus Crichton and Campbell Graham, while Josh Addo-Carr and Jack Wighton both scored doubles.
The Kangaroos have picked up where they left off in the second half with tries to James Tedesco and Ben Hunt in the opening four minutes.
Addo-Carr then crossed for his hat-trick before and Matt Burton got in on the action before Graham followed suit with a treble of his own.
The Kangaroos lead 74-0 after 75 minutes.
SECOND HALF
The Kangaroos picked up where they left off with tries to James Tedesco and Ben Hunt in the opening four minutes.
Addo-Carr then crossed for his hat-trick before and Matt Burton got in on the action before Graham followed suit with a treble of his own.
HALFTIME
Australia crossed through Cleary, Angus Crichton and Campbell Graham, while Josh Addo-Carr and Jack Wighton both scored doubles.
“That’s the best defensive half I think I’ve ever seen in rugby league,” Jonathan Davies said on Fox League.
35TH MINUTE
This it’s another debutant turning provider with Liam Martin making a sharp break and finding Jack Wighton back on the inside to score.
32ND MINUTE
Josh Addo-Carr races 60 metres to score thanks to some quick hands from debutant Matt Burton.
29TH MINUTE
Nathan Cleary darts out of dummy-half and dances his way through to the defence to crash over under the posts.
Cleary now has 12 points to his name inside the half-hour mark.
20TH MINUTE
Debutant Campbell Graham showed plenty of strength to cut back in off his right foot and crash over to score.
Nathan Cleary hit Jack Wighton who turned provider for Graham to beat three defenders wrestle his way over.
15TH MINUTE
This time it’s the boot of Nathan Cleary which leads to an Angus Crichton try after Scotland fail to defuse a bomb.
It marks Crichton’s second try in as many games at the World Cup after also scoring against Fiji.
10TH MINUTE
Nathan Cleary sets up his second try with a nice short ball for Jack Wighton to crash over.
“Jack runs a great in line and gets on the inside shoulder of the Scottish defender,” Fox League commentators said.
6TH MINUTE
Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr crossed for the first try after taking a beautiful cut-out ball from Nathan Cleary and diving over in the corner.
“Josh Addo-Carr, the fastest man in the NRL scores another fantastic try,” Fox League commentators said.
“The pass selection from Nathan Cleary, the NRL superstar from the Penrith Panthers, he flicks the pass over the top after seeing Scotland are short.
“The weight of pass is perfect for Addo-Carr to finish in the corner.”
1ST MINUTE
A physical start from both sides in slippery conditions in Coventry after Australia kicked off and forced a drop out.
There was a minute of silence for Liam Hampson who tragically died while travelling with NRL players in Spain this week.
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MATCH PREVIEW
The Kangaroos beat Fiji 42-8 in their tournament opener but were “clunky” according to coach Mal Meninga, while the Scots fell to Italy 28-4.
Cleary is one of six Australian players on debut with Matt Burton, Campbell Graham, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Lindsay Collins also representing their country for the first time.
“All the debutants have had a great week, we’ve had a great jersey presentation with family involved so it’s very emotional for them,” Meninga said on Fox League.
“But what I see is they’re ready to go and play the game of their life on debut in the green and gold jersey.”
Origin rivals Cleary and Cameron Munster will play for the first time together and Meninga is expecting plenty from the dynamic halves duo.
“They’re Jekyll and Hyde with their personalities but they’ve gelled really well, I’m really looking forward to their combination tonight,” Meninga said.
