Australia finished the Rugby League World Cup in emphatic fashion, defeating New Zealand 32-12 in the final to claim a fourth consecutive title. After a tournament that began with a few uneasy moments, the Kangaroos delivered their most complete performance when it mattered most.
The final, played in front of a sell-out crowd of 52,500, was effectively decided before half-time. Australia went into the break leading 24-6 and never allowed New Zealand a way back into the match.
A dominant finish after a shaky start
That made the result even more striking given the way Australia had opened the tournament. Their early form was not entirely convincing, but the team finished with control and confidence in the World Cup final. It was also the fourth consecutive occasion Australia had lifted the trophy, underlining how rarely they have been beaten on this stage.
The victory extended Australia’s World Cup winning streak to 23 consecutive matches, a run that dates back to their loss in the 2008 showpiece. New Zealand were the team to break that streak back in 2008, and they were also the opponents in Australia’s opening match of this tournament on 15 October, when Australia edged a 24-22 win.
How the final turned quickly
Australia’s fast start in the final left New Zealand chasing the game. The early gap was the key storyline, and the 24-6 halftime score gave Australia complete control of the match rhythm. From there, the Kangaroos managed the contest well and closed out the 32-12 win without drama.
Kevin Walters, who coached Australia to the title, now has a result that reinforces both the team’s depth and its ability to respond after uneven moments earlier in the tournament. The challenge for rivals is obvious: even when Australia are not at their best, they still tend to finish with a level of quality that is hard to match.
For New Zealand, the final was a reminder of how quickly Australia can punish mistakes on the biggest stage. For Australia, it was another straightforward confirmation of their dominance in the Rugby League World Cup, with the title secured in front of a full house and with no real doubt by the end.
