Australia scores a point a minute against helpless Scotland

Unwanted by New South Wales for Origin, Josh Addo-Carr helped himself to four tries as the Kangaroos scored a point-a-minute win over a helpless Scotland in their second-round Rugby League World Cup victory at Coventry.

It still remains a mystery how Blues’ selectors could not find a place for the “Flying Fox” in their State of Origin squad and the Bulldogs flyer reminded them of his worth with four super tries.

In one of his first half tries, Addo-Carr stumbled, before getting up off his knees to race away to push Australia out to a 34-0 lead.

Debutant Liam Martin then set up a try for Jack Wighton before Australia to take a 40-0 lead into the break.

The second 40 minutes was a procession of green and gold players crossing Scotland’s try line with James Tedesco (41st) Ben Hunt (43rd), Addo-Carr (48th and 78th) , Campbell Graham (58th and 73rd) ), Matt Burton (65th), Isaah Yeo (76th) grabbing four-pointers.

Scotland unfortunately had no answer to Australia, speed, power, skill, and ruthlessness with the ball.

Cleary grabbed his audition in front of Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga with both hands after his main rival for the halfback job Daly Cherry-Evans played strongly last week against Fiji.

Cleary converted 13 of Australia’s 15 tries and his ability to shift the ball to Cameron Munster and onto Addo-Carr was lovely to watch.

But as good as Cleary was on the day, Addo-Carr took man-of-the-match honours and virtually guaranteed his place in Meninga’s finals side.

Addo-Carr said he benefitted from the players doing the work inside him.

When those guys do the work, all I have to do is catch the ball and run fast,” he smiled.

Meninga said the Kangaroos had produced the “complete game” to shut Scotland out of the contest.

“I thought everyone contributed and competed really well and our defence again was outstanding,” said Meninga after the huge win.

Meninga said Cleary had done everything he needed to do.

“He ran the ball well when he needed to, he controlled the game with his kicking game which was excellent.

Asked if he already knew his final 17 players Meninga said: “there’s still a long way to go”

“We’ll keep our feet on the ground and make these big decisions when the time comes.”

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