AI Image
Rugby League World Cup 2026: Australia edge New Zealand in opener
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Australia narrowly defeated New Zealand 24-22 in a thrilling opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, witnessed by over 40,000 fans in Sydney, the largest Test crowd in 50 years.
- New Zealand dominated much of the game with a powerful forward pack, but Australia staged a dramatic comeback in the final minutes, highlighted by Jack Bostock's hat-trick on his debut.
- Key individual battles included Kalyn Ponga scoring twice for New Zealand before leaving injured, and Reece Walsh delivering crucial plays for Australia, including a long-range try and a game-saving tackle.
- The match was marked by intense skill, physicality, and relentless drama, with Australia capitalizing on New Zealand errors to stay competitive despite being outplayed for much of the game.
- This epic contest sets a high standard for the tournament, with expectations that Australia will need to replicate this performance to potentially face New Zealand again in the final on 15 November.
