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Rugby League World Cup 2026: Kalyn Ponga-Inspired New Zealand Power Past Tonga to Reach Final
Australia’s dominant first half and Reece Walsh’s hat-trick sent the Kangaroos into their 13th World Cup final.
- On Sunday, Australia's Kangaroos defeated Samoa 44-12 at Sydney Football Stadium to secure their place in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup final, with fullback Reece Walsh scoring a hat-trick.
- New Zealand's Kiwis advanced to the final on Saturday by beating Tonga 34-10 at Newcastle's Hunter Stadium, marking their first tournament decider appearance since 2013.
- Kiwis fullback Kalyn Ponga returned from a broken arm sustained 23 days earlier, producing a try-saving tackle and three assists, while Walsh's hat-trick exemplified the Kangaroos' ruthless execution.
- Samoa's campaign ended after conceding 12 penalties and errors, while Tonga was overwhelmed in the second half as New Zealand's defense stifled the islanders' momentum.
- Australia and New Zealand will meet on November 15 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the championship, marking a rematch of the tournament opener won by the Kangaroos.
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46 Articles
46 Articles
Rugby league-Australia thrash Samoa to set up World Cup final against NZ
SYDNEY, Nov 8 : Reece Walsh scored a hat-trick as reigning champions Australia caught fire on a chilly evening to beat Samoa 44-12 and reach the Rugby League World Cup final for the 13th time on Sunday. The tournament hosts ran in eight tries to secure a trip to Brisbane next Sunday for the title decider aga
·Singapore, Singapore
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources46
Leaning Left13Leaning Right7Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 36%
C 44%
R 20%
Factuality
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