- Four Nations
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England thwarted by Australia
ESPN staff
October 31, 2010
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Luke Lewis scored two tries as Australia sealed their place in the final
© PA Photos
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England failed to reach the final of the Four Nations after they were convincingly beaten 34-14 by defending champions Australia in Melbourne.
After their defeat to New Zealand last week, Steve McNamara's side needed victory if they were to have any hope of qualifying for the final.
They started brightly, with Sam Burgess' try helping England to an early 8-6 lead, but a series of basic errors allowed the Kangaroos to run in three tries to establish a 26-8 half-time lead.
Two tries from Luke Lewis helped Australia establish the advantage, and further tries from Billy Slater, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga and Lote Tuqiri helped Australia to a comfortable victory.
Luke Robinson dived over after the break, but the result was too far beyond them. And despite a brave finish, they were unable to add to the scoreline.
England face Papua New Guinea to avoid the wooden spoon, while Australia go on to face New Zealand in the round-robin stage before facing them once again in the final in Brisbane on November 13.
© ESPN EMEA Ltd
