A thoroughly ruthless and professional performance saw Australia regain the World Cup, not just in defeating the Kiwis in the final at Old Trafford but in their route to the decider as they completed a five-match run in which they never conceded a try.
After leading New Zealand 16-2 in the first half the Kangaroos went further ahead with a superb try within one minute of the restart.
Johnathan Thurston , Darius Boyd and Billy Slater linked down the short side for the Australian fullback to score his second try of the final.
A superb Josh Papalii offload and kicks ahead from Brett Morris and Jarryd Hayne was finished off with Morris diving onto the bouncing ball to score a spectacular try.
Morris was then on Hayne’s shoulder as the centre raced away after intercepting a pass from Sonny Bill Williams.
The Australians withstood a late Kiwi rally with Johnathan Thurston named as the man of the match.
See Monday’s League Express for a full report and reaction.
