Australia beat Samoa 44-12 in their Rugby League World Cup semi-final at Allianz Stadium, with Reece Walsh scoring a hat-trick as the Kangaroos moved to within one victory of a fourth successive title.
Kevin Walters’ side will face New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane next Sunday after producing their most complete display of the tournament. Australia scored eight tries and were rarely threatened by a Samoan team that struggled with discipline and ball security.
Walsh, preferred to James Tedesco at full-back, was central to the victory. He celebrated his first try with a backflip and added two more in the second half, while also helping create Australia’s final score for winger Jack Bostock.
Samoa had taken an early lead when Stephen Crichton converted a fourth-minute penalty following an energetic pre-match siva tau. Australia soon took control, however, as Tom Dearden broke through weak defence from a scrum move to level the scores.
Jacob Preston then forced his way over from close range before Tom Trbojevic, Walsh and Bradman Best crossed to give Australia a commanding 26-2 advantage at half-time.
Walsh’s second-half error briefly offered Samoa hope. The Brisbane full-back leapt for a high kick, but Crichton gathered the loose ball and scored.
Walsh quickly responded by weaving through the Samoan defence and brushing aside Brian To’o for his second try. Izack Tago then powered over as Samoa showed some resistance, but the fightback did not last.
The Australian full-back completed his hat-trick by supporting a Cameron Munster break, before playing a part in Bostock’s late try. Samoa finished with nine errors and conceded 12 set restarts or penalties, while prop Spencer Leniu was sin-binned for dissent late in a difficult first half.
Samoa had reached the 2022 World Cup final and possess a squad rich in NRL talent, but they were unable to reproduce that level of performance in Sydney. Australia now have the chance to extend their dominance of the competition, which has stretched back to 2013.
