Australia have moved one step closer to retaining the World Cup trophy with a 48-4 hammering of Lebanon in Huddersfield.
The Kangaroos will now face either New Zealand or Fiji in the semi-finals after downing the Cedars in the quarter-finals at John Smith’s Stadium.
Josh Addo-Carr grabbed five tries in the win, after the Aussies had raced to a 30-0 first-half lead.
Addo-Carr got the ball rolling after just four minutes after a quick shift to the left.
James Tedesco then beat a few players up the middle, finding the winger with an offload for his second.
Three minutes later, a Cam Munster ball steal set up Addo-Carr for his third.
In the 23 minute, Latrell Mitchell used his speed to barge over and make it 18-0.
A great run from Angus Crichton set up Cam Murray for the next try.
Three minutes later, Murray had a brace after going through some poor defence in the middle.
Nathan Cleary converted the try to take it 30-0 at the break.
In the second half, Addo’-Carr’s fourth came after a series of fumbles by Lebanon at the back.
And then the Cedars sprung to life, Munster fumbling a Mitchell Moses kick and Josh Mansour diving on it to score.
The Lebanese were finally on the board.
Seven minutes later, Addo-Carr was in again, perfectly placed to take a Munster kick.
In the 68th minute, Liam Martin got on the scoresheet after crashing through two defenders to make it 46-4.
Cleary converted capping off a convincing when for the Aussies in Huddersfield.
Australian 48
Tries: J. Addo-Carr (5), J. Addo-Carr (16), J. Addo-Carr (19), L. Mitchell (24), C. Murray (30), C. Murray (33), J. Addo-Carr (44), J. Addo-Carr (59), L. Martin (69)
Goals: N. Cleary (18), N. Cleary (31), N. Cleary (35), N. Cleary (46), N. Cleary (60), N. Cleary (70)
Lebanon 4
Tries: J. Mansour (52)
