Australia secured their fourth Rugby League World Cup title by defeating New Zealand 32-12 in the final on Sunday extending their tournament winning streak to 23 matches since 2008.
The clash at the 52,500-capacity venue saw a stark reversal from the tournament opener on October 15, where Stacey Jones’s side physically pressured Australia before falling 24-22. Australia capitalized instantly, with Liam Martin crossing for a try just 84 seconds into the contest.
Casey McLean, the youngest player in New Zealand’s matchday squad, hit back with a converted try to level the score early. Yet unforced errors continually bled territory and possession to the Kangaroos throughout the opening stanza. Australia piled on the pressure as Bradman Best and Reece Walsh engineered sharp attacking sequences, culminating in Bostock’s first try of the night.
Best crossed for a personal try before Martin added his second, sending Australia into the halftime break with a commanding 24-6 advantage. The second half mirrored the first’s early volatility when New Zealand hooker Erin Clark spilled the ball 36 seconds after the restart. Walsh exploited the ensuing defensive lapse with quick footwork on the right flank, setting up Tom Trbojevic for a corner try.
New Zealand fought back through Isaiah Papali’i, but the deficit proved insurmountable. Bostock sealed the result with his second try of the match, cementing a six-try performance for the reigning champions. Munster added four goals to anchor the scoreboard.
| Metric / Stat | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 32 | 12 |
| Halftime Score | 24 | 6 |
| Total Tries | 6 | 2 |
| Tournament Streak | 23 Wins | – |
Bostock and Martin finished with two tries apiece, while Best and Trbojevic contributed single scores to cap off the 13th World Cup title in Australian rugby league history.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
