Australia Edges New Zealand 24-22 in Rugby League World Cup Opener as Bostock Scores 3 Tries
- In front of 41,255 fans at Allianz Stadium on Thursday, Kangaroos debutant Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick to lead Australia to a narrow 24-22 victory over New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup opener.
- New Zealand dominated the first half but failed to extend their lead, while Australia remained competitive after Bostock plucked an intercept pass and raced 80m to score, eventually outscoring their rivals five tries to three.
- Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh and New Zealand counterpart Kalyn Ponga delivered standout performances, trading spectacular long-range tries that defined the contest's intensity and personal rivalry.
- Following the physical encounter, medical uncertainty looms as Ponga left with a potential arm injury and Kangaroos halfback Mitchell Moses limped off with a calf issue shortly after halftime.
- Australia plays Fiji next Friday, while New Zealand returns home to face the Cook Islands in Christchurch, with both teams targeting the tournament final in Brisbane next month.
38 Articles
38 Articles
In a fusion Allianz Stadium, Australia and New Zealand have fought a rare battle between devastating impacts, heroic defences and individual fulgurances. Long time...
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The Toronto Star
Australia edges New Zealand 24-22 in Rugby League World Cup opener as Bostock scores 3 tries
SYDNEY (AP) — Jack Bostock scored three tries on debut and combined with Reece Walsh for another as defending champion Australia edged New Zealand 24-22 to open the Rugby League
Radio France Internationale
France24Holders Australia edge New Zealand 24-22 to open Rugby league World Cup
The 12-time champion Kangaroos were strong favourites going into the opening match at a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium but they were put through the ringer and only just hung on. They crossed twice in the first-half but were always on the back foot and lucky to reach the break at 10-10. With a man in the sin-bin, Australia conceded an early second-half try and looked beaten before Bostock pounced with four minutes left to keep them on track fo…
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