Aussies cruise into semi-finals

The Aussies turned on the style to thrash former Castleford Tigers coach Terry Matterson’s Americans 62-0 as they booked a place in next week’s second semi-final at Wembley.

But the Kangaroos’ fourth win of the tournament came at a price, with superstar full-back Billy Slater going off injured early in the second half.

Morris and Hayne both equalled the most tries scored by an Australian in any Test match and by an individual in the World Cup.

The USA competed well in the opening stages and had some early chances, despite going behind to a Hayne try after just two minutes.

Greg Inglis and Morris added further tries, but it was only 14-0 going into the second quarter, before the Aussies stepped up a gear.

Cameron Smith, Morris (twice) and Cooper Cronk touched down in a devastating 12 minute spell and Morris grabbed his fourth on the final play of the half.

That made it 38-0 at the interval, but America dug in after the break and restricted the Kangaroos to just four more tries.

Inglis touched down and Hayne went over for the final three tries. Johnathan Thurston finished with seven conversions.

The Aussies have not conceded a try in three full games - and a total of 244 minutes since Josh Charnley’s late touchdown for England in the tournament’s opening match.