Australia beats Samoa 44-12 to reach World Cup final

Australia defeated Samoa 44-12 in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal on Sunday, November 8, advancing to a final against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, November 15. The Kangaroos will seek a fourth consecutive title in the match, a rematch of the tournament opener, which Australia won.

Reece Walsh scored three tries for Australia, completing his first hat-trick for the Kangaroos. Tom Dearden and Jacob Preston opened the scoring, with Tom Trbojevic and Bradman Best also crossing before halftime. Jack Bostock scored Australia’s final try. Samoa’s points came through Stephen Crichton, who kicked an early penalty and scored a try after the break, and Izack Tago, who also scored.

Australia led 26-2 at halftime. Walsh, selected at fullback ahead of James Tedesco, added two tries after the break. He had earlier dropped a Samoa kick, which Crichton collected to score. Australia’s lineup also included Pat Carrigan on the interchange bench, after he was moved out of the starting side.

Samoa’s late first-half difficulties included Spencer Leniu being sent to the sin bin for dissent. Broadcast commentary said Leniu approached referee Adam Gee and said something to him before the...