NZ Kiwis had progressed to the Four Nations final at Anfield next week, after Australia turned aside England 36-18 overnight.

World champions Australia had already qualified for the tournament climax, but did their trans-Tasman rivals a favour with their hard-fought victory over the home side at London’s Olympic Stadium.

The English needed only a draw to advance and lagged only 10-6 at half-time. Big centre Greg Inglis gave the Kangaroos some breathing room with a try, converted by Johnathan Thurston, soon after the restart, before the floodgates opened.

Prop Matt Scott and centre Josh Dugan scored in quick succession, both converted by Thurston, and the margin was suddenly 28-6.

England five-eighth Graham Widdop gave his side a glimpse of hope with a converted try, but Aussie second-row Matt Gillett put the result beyond doubt, stretching out in a two-tackle for another four-pointer.

Big English winger Ryan Hall kept his incredible try-scoring record intact, scoring his 31st in 31 games, but rookie winger Valentine Holmes dove over acrobatically in the corner to complete the scoresheet.

The Four Nations final is scheduled for the iconic home of Liverpool FC next Monday, November 21, at 3.30am NZ.