Kangaroos crush brave Wales

Andy Bracek is caught by two Kangaroos

Australia warmed up for the Four Nations final against England with a 56-14 victory over Wales at the Racecourse Ground.

Cooper Cronk helped himself to a hat-trick of tries as the much-changed Kangaroos crossed 10 times in total to become the first side in this year's tournament to go beyond the half-century mark.

However they did not have things all their own way in Wrexham, with brave Wales holding an 8-0 lead for the first quarter of the contest.

Wingers Rhys Williams and Elliot Kear touched down to give the hosts a shock lead, while Jordan James went over in the second half.

Rich reward

James' effort allowed Lee Briers to slot over the conversion and become just the third Welshman to score a century of points, rich reward for the experienced half-back in his final international appearance.

It was his kick out wide that allowed Williams to break the deadlock in the ninth minute and soon after Kear followed suit, though neither effort was converted to leave Briers stuck on 98.

Australia seemed rattled by Wales' strong start and took their time to regain their composure, Cameron Smith, captaining the side in the absence of the rested Darren Lockyer, lunging over from dummy half to steady the ship.

A pair of easy run-ins for Cronk just before the hooter put the Roos into a 10-point cushion at the midway stage, and within a minute of the restart the half-back had helped set up a try on debut for Daly Cherry-Evans.

Darius Boyd scored the pick of the bunch when he claimed Briers' high kick and then exchanged passes with Josh Morris to cut Wales open down the left wing, meaning the Australians had scored 24 points in seven minutes.

Wales finally halted the Australian procession with a try from James, the prop scooping up the ball after Briers' bomb had been knocked back straight into his path by Ross Divorty.

Landmark moment

Briers stepped up to strike over the extras to reach his personal landmark, though it would be the last time the home fans would be cheering.

Thurston continued his prolific evening, he would end with 20 points, by finishing off Boyd's burst down the left, then turned from scorer to provider by picking off a pass to set up Greg Inglis for a simple effort.

Jharal Yow Yeh was the next to go over in the right corner and Cronk completed his hat-trick from Cherry-Evans' pass.

Morris helped himself to a try out wide on the left as a tired Welsh outfit paid a dear price for coughing up possession deep inside their own half, the winger's effort rounding out the scoring in the final group match.

Australia will look to make it four wins from four on the trip when they take on hosts England in the final match next Saturday, a game that can be seen live on Sky Sports.