Australia Defeat New Zealand to Win Fourth Consecutive World Cup

SYDNEY: (Sports Desk) – Australia continued their dominance of international rugby league with a commanding 32-12 victory over New Zealand on Sunday, securing their fourth consecutive Rugby League World Cup title and reaffirming their position as the sport’s leading nation.

The hosts established a 24-6 half-time lead in front of a sold-out crowd at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and maintained their intensity throughout the contest to overcome their long-time rivals.

Liam Martin and Jack Bostock scored two tries apiece, while Bradman Best and Tom Trbojevic also crossed the line in a fast-paced encounter. Australia’s superior fitness in the humid conditions proved decisive.

“Any time we come up against you, it’s the pinnacle of our game,” Australia captain Isaah Yeo said while acknowledging New Zealand’s efforts.

Praising his teammates, Yeo said the squad had immense confidence in its ability and expressed satisfaction at delivering its best performance in the final.

“World champions for the next four years,” he added.

The defeat denied New Zealand their first World Cup title since 2008, when they defeated Australia in Brisbane. That remains the last occasion a team other than the Kangaroos lifted the trophy.

Australia have now won 13 of the 17 Rugby League World Cups held since the tournament began in 1954. The Kangaroos have also recorded 23 consecutive victories in the competition, underlining their remarkable consistency.

New Zealand captain James Fisher-Harris congratulated Australia after the defeat, describing them as the benchmark of international rugby league.

“Sorry we couldn’t get it done tonight,” he said, adding that New Zealand were still striving to match Australia’s standards.

The Kiwis performed an emotional haka before the final, hoping to avenge their 24-22 defeat to Australia in the tournament’s opening match more than a month earlier.

However, Australia made an explosive start, scoring within the opening 84 seconds. Harry Grant produced a dummy before setting up Liam Martin, who powered over for the opening try. Cameron Munster added the conversion.

New Zealand gradually found their rhythm, with centre Casey McLean stepping past two defenders to score and bring his side back into the contest. Jamayne Isaako converted the try, becoming New Zealand’s highest-ever points scorer with 227 points, surpassing Shaun Johnson’s record.

Australia quickly regained control when Bradman Best delivered an impressive offload to Jack Bostock, who finished in the corner. Munster missed the conversion but later added a penalty to extend the hosts’ lead to 12-6.

The Kangaroos continued to dominate, with Best scoring under the posts before Martin crossed for his second try just before half-time to give Australia a commanding advantage.

Australia picked up where they had left off after the break, with Tom Trbojevic scoring within four minutes. Reece Walsh created the opportunity by beating three defenders before delivering the decisive offload.

New Zealand struggled to find a way back into the match, with one of their apparent tries ruled out following a video review for a knock-on.

The Kiwis continued to fight, and Isaiah Papali’i broke through the Australian defence to score a converted try, reducing the deficit to 28-12 with 13 minutes remaining.

However, Australia held firm, and Bostock completed his brace late in the match to seal a convincing 32-12 victory and another World Cup triumph.