Australia – Scotland PLAYER RATINGS: Josh Addo-Carr and Nathan Cleary put on magical performances
Released: 4:38 p.m. EDT, Oct. 21, 2022 | Updated: 5:14 PM EDT, Oct. 21, 2022
Australia’s strong start to the Rugby League World Cup continued as Mal Meninga’s side beat Scotland in Coventry.
The Kangaroos prevailed in England for fifteen tries against the Bravehearts, with Josh Addo-Carr scoring four while Campbell Graham secured a hat-trick. Nathan Cleary also showed a masterful performance as a halfback.
Here, Daily Mail Australia assesses and plans the Kangaroos team, with Meninga still having many decisions to make ahead of the final group game against Italy.
Josh Addo-Carr helped Australia riot against Scotland on Saturday morning
James Tedesco – 7
Maybe tough because he didn’t do anything wrong, but he also had very little to do. Did well on his try early in the second half and made the most of the brittle defense.
Josh Addo Carr – 10
The fast man’s perfect performance. His attempts were by no means “easy,” and that fourth goal was something fans will be talking about for years to come. Really special.
Matt Burton – 8th
Struggled to shine alongside his incredible team-mates but came alive in the final 10 minutes and scored a try before that assist for Addo-Carr – worth the entry fee alone.
Matt Burton scored a late try before giving Addo-Carr an incredible assist
Jack Wighton – 8th
Wore his way through the middle of the park on countless occasions like a 12th grader playing soccer against poor 7th graders.
Campbell Graham – 9th
His hat-trick was a lot easier than his fellow winger across the park, but he had to be there and it was a physical mismatch for his opponents.
Cameron Munster – 8
Conditions may have been miserable but Munster still exuded absolute class at Coventry. Didn’t score himself, but the Scots just couldn’t handle him.
Cameron Munster didn’t score a try but exuded class throughout the competition at Coventry
Nathan Cleary – 9
What a way to make your debut. There’s no doubt he’s the first halfback for Australia in the big games. Had he kicked better, he would have gotten a perfect 10. The best player in the world.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard – 7th
Flashes from his best NRL form but got lost in the brilliance of his teammates. Didn’t hesitate to fight for his team when he was involved in a fight with Luke Bain.
Harry Grant – 8
Changed Australia’s intensity against Fiji but didn’t stand out as much this time. However, this breakthrough for Graham was delightful.
Nathan Cleary was incredible in his Australia debut and has to be the first halfback
Patrick Carrigan-7
Excellent in defense for Australia, with a series of crunching tackles that made Scotland wish they weren’t in possession.
Angus Crichton – 8
Was the quickest to pounce on a Munster kick to score in the first half and worked well with Addo-Carr. Two strong performances in their opening games of the tournament.
Liam Martin – 8
Tenacious in the tackle and smart enough to find Jack Wighton for his second try of the night.
Isaah Yeo – 8
He fully deserved his late try and seemed completely at ease in his new surroundings. Will be a big player for the Kangaroos as the competition progresses.
Isaah Yeo capped a fine debut with a try and will be a big figure moving forward
Exchange
Ben Hunt – 7
He prepared Yeo well for his attempt and stole the ball from the Scotsman several times. Unfortunately, he was drowned out by the strong performances of his team-mates.
Lindsay Collins – 7
The perfect setting for your international debut. Blended in seamlessly with his teammates and kept things going.
Valentine Holmes – 7
He failed to finish a Cleary Cultivator kick and will worry Addo-Carr could be the man chasing the record for most RLWC attempts all-time.
Jake Trbojevic – 7
Maintained his commanding defensive discipline he showed against Fiji and worked well with Yeo and Carrigan.
