As Sir Kev said afterwards: We lost the battle but not the war.

The kicking game was poor and we needed more composure close to their line but I think that will come in the weeks ahead.

We're only going to improve as the tournament progresses, under a coach as shrewd as Bennett, and I can see a re-match between Australia and England in the Brisbane Final on 2 Dec.

We were never going to beat them twice...just once will do us nicely. I'm very optimistic after that effort because this is an Aussie side without a Lewis or Meninga, a Thurston or a Daley, a Johns, Fittler or a Kenny. Sure, the Slater-Cronk-Smith spine is exceptional but they're no longer spring chickens (34, 34 and Cronk turning 34 a few days after the final). And the rest ? Nothing to worry about unduly from what I've seen today.

All of which you denied existed or denied rights right to until the 1960's.....terra nullius...a process embraced fully by 'stralians for decades to steal land from the indigenous peoples. Ingrained racism....it's like mothers milk to you boguns.

who is "you"???

you veritable oik, you yokel

Its not like the British have treated indigenous peoples of former colonies with any kind of respect, you hillbilly

It was the British wot done it? ....your nation is made up of waifs and strays from Europe and the Middle East with the "ruling classes" either coming from convict stock or prison guards....and I repeat, I am not British!

what in gods name are you on about??? The British did "wot"???

Waifs & strays you say??? we have a ruling "class"?? whats all this "class" business??? A rugby league fan talking about "class"?? well i never

Not British eh?? I might not be Australian, i may not be white

The mystery deepens eh Cletus

Not much RL chat going on here now, "time 'gentlemen' please"!!