Reece Walsh scored a hat-trick as Australia thrashed Samoa 44-12 in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, booking a final against New Zealand in Brisbane next weekend.
Walsh was the star of the show, scoring three magnificent tries — the third a superb long-range team move finished with his famous Superman celebration — as the defending champions sent an emphatic message, according to LoveRugbyLeague and Rugby League Hub. The Kangaroos led 26-2 at half-time and never looked back.
Australia will now face New Zealand in the final at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, November 15, in front of more than 50,000 supporters — a rematch of the tournament opener, which Australia won narrowly 24-22.
Samoa’s bright start fades fast
Samoa briefly led in the early exchanges thanks to a Stephen Crichton penalty, but they were soon behind. Tom Dearden’s try three minutes after the Crichton penalty put Australia ahead, with Jacob Preston and Tom Trbojevic scoring inside the opening quarter to make it 16-2.
Walsh claimed his first try before a Bradman Best score extended Australia’s lead to 24 points at half-time, and by then the contest was practically over. Samoa were controversially denied a try by the video referee, and the Kangaroos made them pay.
Crichton scored Samoa’s first try after the restart, capitalising on a rare Walsh error, but the fullback responded with a stunning try for his second before completing his hat-trick later on. Jack Bostock scored in the final moments to seal the win.
Flashpoints in a fiery semi-final
The semi-final was full of flashpoints. Jarome Luai ignited an all-in melee and was put on report, Spencer Leniu was sent to the sin bin, and Samoa’s players confronted the Kangaroos with a spine-tingling Siva Tau before kick-off, advancing until they were nose to nose with the Australians.
The pre-game scenes were the highlight of the tournament so far, but Australia’s players stood their ground — and then put the Samoans away on the scoreboard. The gap between the Pacific nations and the Australians remains huge, even as the Pacific game grows.
The final is set
The result means it will be another Australia against New Zealand final in the men’s Rugby League World Cup. The Kiwis booked their place on Saturday night with a 34-10 win over Tonga in Newcastle, inspired by Kalyn Ponga’s comeback from a broken arm.
New Zealand pushed Australia all the way in the tournament opener, and many believe the Kiwis can pose a realistic threat in the final. Next Sunday in Brisbane, we will get the answer.
What comes next
The final kicks off at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, November 15, with the women’s final between Australia and New Zealand on the same day. For Australia, the semi-final was a chance to finally produce a complete performance — and they delivered it in emphatic fashion.
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