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Billy Slater dives over to score against England in the Rugby League World Cup opener.

Minute-by-minute rundown of all the big moments from Australia's win over England in the opening game of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Zero minutes: After belting out God Save the Queen in the pre-match anthems, England kicks of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with Australia having the first opportunity with the ball.

4th minute: England successfully defends a set on their own line after Australia goes on the attack thanks to a high tackle penalty against England forward Ben Westwood. Fullback Sam Tomkins defuses a grubber kick in the England in-goal.

8th minute: Tomkins finds winger Ryan Hall with a looping pass to the left and Hall crashes through two defenders to score the opener out wide. Captain Kevin Sinfied's conversion is unsuccessful, England lead 4-0.

16th minute: England prop George Burgess is denied a try by the video referee, having lost possession before getting to the line.

20th minute: Another video ref decision, but this one's successful for England: centre Leroy Cudjoe gathers a Kevin Sinfield kick and scores. Sinfield converts and England leads 10-0.

27th minute: The Australians hit back. Greg Inglis brilliantly brings down a Cooper Cronk bomb before offloading for Johnathan Thurston to score. Thurston converts and England's lead is trimmed to 10-6.

37th minute: Johnathan Thurston sends Greg Bird over for the Aussies' second. Thurston converts to give Australia a 12-10 lead.

39th minute: Sam Tomkins makes a half-break but is pulled up for a forward pass, just inside Australia's half.

40th minute: From the resulting scrum, Billy Slater brushes through an attempted tackle and puts the foot down, bursting clear to score in the corner. Thurston converts from the sideline to give the Australians an 18-10 half-time lead.

43rd minute: Slater shows great agility to prevent a 40/20 from England.

45th minute: England's Josh Charnley is not so lucky, ruled to have touched the sideline with his foot while gathering a would-be 40/20 kick from Cameron Smith. Australia are awarded a scrum within striking distance and they make it the most of it, spreading the ball to the right wing for Brett Morris to score amid boos from the crowd. Australia leads 22-10.

53rd minute: George Burgess crashes his way towards the tryline again and this time is awarded the four-pointer by the video referee. Sinfield converts, England trails 22-16.

59th minute: Tomkins makes a try-saving tackle to deny Morris a second, sending the winger into touch.

63rd minute: England lock Sam Burgess avoids a possible send-off but is placed on report for a high tackle on Sam Thaiday.

65th minute: Another penalty conceded by England gifts Johnathan Thurston a penalty goal. Australia leads 24-16.

71st minute: After forcing repeat sets, Australia wraps up the result with a try to Darius Boyd in the left corner. Australia 28-16.

77th minute: Josh Charnley scores a consolation try for England after an error from Slater. Sinfield's conversion goes wide, and Australia takes the win 28-20.

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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