Can the Kangaroos repeat their superhuman effort?

The Australian Kangaroos are without a doubt the benchmark of international rugby league, as well as the extremely short-priced favourites to take out this year’s Rugby League World Cup. But surely they can’t repeat the unbelievable effort that was the 2013 World Cup?

It’s October 26^th, 2013, and the Kangaroos are opening the World Cup against England on their turf. England take an early 10-0 lead, but the Kangaroos fight back to make it 24-10 late in the second half. A George Burgess try next to the posts is cancelled out by a Darius Boyd four-pointer out wide, and England scores a consolation try through Josh Charnley in the 76^th minute, wrapping the game up at 28-20, an Australian victory.

What no one realised at the time is that Josh Charnely try in the 76^th minute of the opening match would be the last try Australia would concede at the tournament.

The Kangaroos followed up their opening win with a 34-2 victory over Fiji, and a 50-0 demolition of Ireland, though that wouldn’t be the end of the Australian-inflicted pain on the other nations.

USA’s shock maiden finals berth ended in a green and gold massacre at 62-0, and Tim Sheen’s side backed it up with a 64-0 win over Fiji, before the most impressive display of all – a 34-2 win in the Final over rivals, the Kiwis.

That’s a stunning 404 minutes of rugby league without conceding a try. Over six hours on the field and not one player snuck past their defence. Their for-and-against for the tournament ended up at 272 points for, just 24 against.

On average, across the tournament, the Kangaroos conceded a singular point every twenty minutes. Defensive resolve like that is unheard of, and surely an effort that can’t be repeated.

Australia will be missing a host of stars, with Jonathan Thurston, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis and Matt Scott all ruled out through injury. Instead, newcomers like Cameron Munster, Dane Gagai, Tom Trbojevic and Jordan Maclean will all make their maiden international appearances in the green and gold, along with a host of other faces.

Drawn against England, France and Lebanon for the pool stage, it seems that the Kangaroos are up against some quality in their opening match against England, though France and Lebanon appear much easier opponents. However, Lebanon has named NRL stars Robbie Farah, Mitchell Moses, Tim Mannah and Michael Lichaa, so a strong performance from the Lebanese squad isn’t far-fetched.

The Kangaroos will be hard pressed keeping their opposition tryless throughout the tournament, though it’s easy to see why Australia are short-priced favourites to lift the trophy once again.