Australia 17 USA 0

After an 11-year absence, Australia had no idea how physical the World Rugby Classic had become.

But once they came to terms with the realisation that it was no longer “hit and giggle”, they set about carving out a semi-final place against a fit and tough US side.

Three unanswered tries were enough to earn them a spot in the final four and skipper Phil Kearns believes his men will be better prepared come Thursday when they take on the Argentinians.

“I've not played for five years and I had to go out and buy a new gumshield and boots for this one,” said the tired former Wallabies skipper after his side's 17-0 victory.

“I thought it would be a bit more hit and giggle but we got quite a shock because it was very physical and there were some big tackles going in.

“We weren't really expecting that but once we got the hang of that side of things, we all really enjoyed it.

“I think we will play better next time and there are certainly going to be a few aching bodies in the morning.”

In the most physical encounter of the tournament so far, it was the Wallabies who were in the ascendance from the off.

Although taking their time to crack the enthusiastic US defence, the Aussies looked the more organised and inventive side.

Such was the competitiveness of the encounter, knees and fists were raised on a regular basis in the opening exchanges.

Although the large puddle in the centre circle from the day's downpours had dissipated, the wet conditions did little for flowing rugby.

The ball resembled a bar of soap for forwards and backs alike and scoring chances, needless to say, were few and far between.

A surprisingly large crowd had braved the inclement conditions but - some shuddering tackles apart - there was little to cheer early on.

Even with the likes of Kearns on the field, points seemed hard to come by despite the overwhelming possession the Aussies enjoyed.

But with half-time looming, one of the evening's first pieces of magic temporarily opened the floodgates. Andrew Heath's chip over the top was picked up by Gareth Smith who slid over in the corner.

And just seconds after he'd converted his own score, he touched down again on the opposite wing.

This time a grubber kick bounced kindly for him and he hacked on before touching down.

Add with his second conversion, Smith had single-handedly moved the Wallaby score on to 12-0 at the break.

In the early moments of the second half the still buoyant Americans looked the stronger.

But the ten minutes camped in front of the Aussie line came to nought as a lack of composure and basic rugby knowledge cost them dear. Like the Canadians the night before, the US side lacked the skills that come with a long rugby pedigree and never quite looked capable of dismantling the Wallaby defence.

And the inevitable occured ten minutes into the half when the Aussies powered through with their forwards before releasing the telling pass out to Richard Harry on the wing to scramble home in the corner to create a 17-0 lead.

The US - and big Bo Buck in particular - began to add the odd swinging arm into the mix as it became clear a repeat of last year's runners-up spot was going to be beyond them.

The game settled down in the latter stages as the Wallabies began to tire while nothing the Americans attempted could take them close to their first points.

The disappointment after the final hooter was obvious on the US bench as one of the tournament's perennial fiercest competitors had fallen at the first hurdle.

The Aussies had shown their skills but also a lack of genuine preparation which could cost them on Thursday against the rampant Pumas.

Charismatic World Cup winning coach Bob Dwyer will have his work cut out.