For 15 minutes, Fiji more than held their own – the Bati held Australia to ransom.
For the rest of it, the Kangaroos slowly but surely shook off the rust of a 1079-day international hiatus, as Josh Addo-Carr’s brilliance and a team list oozing class secured a 42-8 win to open Australia’s World Cup defence.
With 14 errors, this wasn’t a statement in the same manner as England’s 60-6 demolition of Samoa hours earlier – not that it needed to be, either.
James Tedesco is put under pressure by King Vuniyayawa during the Rugby League World Cup match between Australia and Fiji.Credit:Getty Images
And with a host of positions in Mal Meninga’s first-choice 17 up for grabs, Daly Cherry-Evans had his moments both fine and frustrating, Cameron Munster was man-of-the-match, while Harry Grant’s bench cameo was arguably the brightest of the green-and-gold performances.
Reuben Cotter’s typically busy effort around the ruck on debut was brought to a halt by a heavy head clash with Tui Kamikamica, but at least his failed HIA was the Australians’ only injury concern from an at-times bruising affair.
Fiji started the contest in far more compelling fashion – Semi Valemei bagging the first try in just the fourth minute.
That Kangaroos captain James Tedesco was caught on the hop, only slightly, but enough, by Sitiveni Moceidreke’s grubber, resonated throughout much of a clunky first half.
Desperate Fijian defence denied Australia’s attempts to level the ledger and forced errors from first Cherry-Evans, then Latrell Mitchell and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, as the Kangaroos wasted prime field position.
Rookie back-rower Jeremiah Nanai eventually put the Kangaroos on the board, cutting back inside and leaving Moceidreke and Viliame Kikau for dead and creating a 6-4 lead.
As the Kangaroos warmed to their task, Addo-Carr set the contest and the highlight reels alight when an overlap was sniffed five metres from his own tryline.
Harry Grant touches down for Australia’s fifth try against Fiji at Headingley in Leeds, England. Credit:Getty Images
Ninety-five metres and four Fijian defenders later, it was 12-4, with none of the Bati able to lay a hand on Addo-Carr when he opened the throttle.
Referee Chris Kendall showed the cleanest heels of all in keeping pace with the Bulldogs speedster.
Despite playing 60 per cent of the game in their own half, Fiji still threatened on occasion, with Brandon Wakeham unable to reel in a difficult scoring chance from a deft kick by Api Koroisau.
Again, Australia made the most of their reprieve, as man-of-the-match Munster sent Angus Crichton over from close range.
An 18-4 halftime lead was added to shortly after the resumption by Mitchell, with Addo-Carr’s pure pace down the left edge creating the break that led to his great mate’s try.
When Kikau was also forced off after a head clash, Grant booted a 40-20 that was followed up with a scurry over from dummy-half.
Tries to Tedesco and Addo-Carr again – thanks to Grant’s creativity and pinpoint kick after a bust up the middle – were fruit for the sideboard before Penrith youngster Sunia Turuva nabbed a late try that brought a buoyant cheer from the Leeds crowd of 13,366.
A six-day turnaround and lighter training week now awaits Australia ahead of Friday’s clash against Scotland.
Nathan Cleary is set to make his Test debut at halfback while leading Penrith teammates Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin back into the line-up, along with Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Matt Burton and Campbell Graham.
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