AUSTRALIA 24 NEW ZEALAND 22
JOHN DAVIDSON, Allianz Stadium, Thursday
A JACK BOSTOCK hat-trick fired up Australia’s World Cup defence as they came from behind to steal victory over a gallant New Zealand.
The Kangaroos went toe to toe with their physical neighbours but somehow managed to snatch a tight win from the jaws of defeat through some timely defence, a treble from debutant Bostock and the pure brilliance of Reece Walsh.
The stunning two-point result kept Australia‘s undefeated tournament record, dating back to the 2008 final, alive in front of a sold-out Allianz Stadium.
New Zealand got off to a red-hot start, with Jahrome Hughes’ kick to the heavens batted back and offloaded wide to Casey McLean, who somehow got the ball down in an audacious finish out wide.
Jaymayane Isaako converted from the sideline to give the Kiwis a 6-0 lead after four minutes.
New Zealand were setting the tone early, with big carries and huge hits in the middle of the field.
They came close to a second try on 20 minutes, only for a brilliant interception from Bostock seeing the winger race away from deep in his own half as Australia hit back.
Walsh’s conversion attempt hit the post, leaving the Kiwis two points ahead.
New Zealand extended their lead six minutes later through an Isaako penalty-goal, but disaster soon struck again.
A pass was again picked off by Australia, this time on the right wing, as Tom Trbojevic sped almost the full length of the field to score, Walsh’s conversion putting his side 10-8 in front.
But New Zealand ensured things were all square at half-time.
Kotoni Staggs was sin-binned for a professional foul after holding back Kodi Nikorima as he chased for the ball, with Isaako scoring the resultant penalty goal to tie it up 10-10.
Australia made a nightmare start to the second half when Mitchell Moses limped from the field with a calf injury.
New Zealand added insult to injury in the 47th minute after a series of offloads ended with Ponga crossing, Isaako adding the extras to push them into a six-point lead.
A knock on from Isaako gave the Kangaroos a chance to strike back, but Liam Martin was held up over the tryline.
The Kiwis thought they had opened up a ten-point cushion when Ronaldo Mulitalo pounced on an error, but his effort was chalked off after an offside in the build-up.
Instead, just a minute later, Bostock leapt highest to notch his second try, Walsh’s conversion tying the scores once more.
Ponga though ticked the scoreboard back in New Zealand’s favour after skipping on the outside and stepping his way through for a sensational solo try, converted by Isaako, just after the hour.
Walsh tried to mount an immediate response, but was penalised for a double movement.
However, the Broncos’ fullback was undaunted, on 69 minutes, he sped 80 metres downfield and beat several defenders for a world-class score.
With Walsh, feeling the effects of his try, unable to take the conversion, Latrell Mitchell stepped up, but his attempt sailed wide as New Zealand held onto their narrow lead.
But it was Australia’s day, with Bostock brilliantly stepping up with another soaring, acrobatic effort to complete his hat-trick with four minutes remaining and seal an unforgettable win.
GAMESTAR: Kayln Ponga continued his brilliant NRL club form with a phenomenal debut for New Zealand.
GAMEBREAKER: Ronaldo Mulitalo’s disallowed try, which would have opened up a ten-point lead for New Zealand, with Australia pouncing almost immediately to level the scores.
HIGHLIGHT REEL: Casey McLean’s early try was one of the best finishes you will ever see, simply sensational.
MATCHFACTS
KANGAROOS
1 Reece Walsh
2 Jack Bostock
3 Latrell Mitchell
4 Kotoni Staggs
5 Tom Trbojevic
6 Cameron Munster
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Patrick Carrigan
9 Harry Grant
10 Tino Fa’asumaleuai
11 Jacob Preston
12 Liam Martin
13 Isaah Yeo
Subs
14 Tom Dearden
15 Cameron Murray
16 Reuben Cotter
17 Keaon Koloamatangi
18 David Fifita (not used)
19 Bradman Best (not used)
Tries: Bostock (20, 57, 76), Trbojevic (31), Walsh (69)
Goals: Walsh 2/4, Mitchell 0/1
Sin bin: Staggs (38) – professional foul
KIWIS
1 Kayln Ponga
2 Jamayne Isaako
3 Dane Gagai
4 Casey McLean
5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
6 Kodi Nikorima
7 Jahrome Hughes
8 James Fisher-Harris
9 Jeremy Marshall-King
10 Moses Leota
11 Isaiah Papali’i
12 Briton Nikora
13 Joseph Tapine
Subs
14 Te Maire Martin (not used)
15 Naufahu Whyte
16 Erin Clark
17 Xavier Willison
18 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (not used)
19 Keano Kini
Tries: McLean (4), Ponga (47, 60)
Goals: Isaako 5/5
SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-6, 4-6, 4-8, 10-8, 10-10; 10-16, 16-16, 16-22, 20-22, 24-22.
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Kangaroos: Jack Bostock; Kiwis: Kalyn Ponga
Penalty count: 5-4
Half-time: 10-10
Referee: Adam Gee
Attendance: 41,255
