Walsh-inspired Australia crush irate Samoa to reach World Cup final

Before kick-off, Samoa's ceremonial war dance - the Siva Tau - turned into an intense face-off, with their players going right into the faces of their Australian opponents, and a couple even going forehead to forehead. Australia dominated at Sydney Football Stadium, triumphing 44-12 to reach a 16th successive men's Rugby League World Cup final. In a repeat of the previous World Cup final, a worked-up Samoa side lost their way with errors and ill-discipline, allowing Australia to run in eight tries, including a Reece Walsh hat-trick.

Australia - who have won the past three world titles in a row - will face New Zealand in Brisbane next Sunday with kick-off at 08:35 GMT. Samoa had taken the lead after three minutes when Stephen Crichton – whose golden-point drop goal beat England in the 2022 semi-final – landed a penalty in front of the posts. But Australia led soon after when Tom Dearden picked up from a scrum and blasted through the non-existent line to score.

Australia's next two tries came after they got six again thanks to poor Samoa discipline.