Arabic version: أستراليا تتقدم على نيوزيلندا 24-6 في استراحة نهائي كأس العالم
According to The Guardian, Australia led New Zealand 24-6 at half-time in the men’s Rugby League World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 15 November 2026. The Kangaroos produced a dominant opening 40 minutes after the Kiwis kicked off out on the full.
Liam Martin gave Australia an early lead when he crashed over in the second minute, with Cameron Munster adding the conversion. New Zealand responded through Casey McLean, who stepped inside Stephen Crichton and powered through Tom Trbojevic after an assist from Kodi Nikorima. Jamayne Isaako converted to level the score at 6-6.
Australia regained control through Jack Bostock, who scored his eighth try of the competition after Bradman Best moved the ball on to him. Munster missed the conversion, but later made no mistake with a penalty from 30 metres after Ronaldo Mulitalo was penalised for an escort on Trbojevic.
Best then extended the lead, stepping off his left and wrong-footing Dane Gagai before running behind the posts. Munster converted. In the 38th minute, Martin scored his second try of the half after Harry Grant fed Tom Dearden, with Martin described as too big and strong for Jahrome Hughes as he crossed.
The Guardian reported that Australia had “absolutely bossed” the first half, while New Zealand committed a host of unforced errors. The Kangaroos’ spine of Grant, Munster, Dearden and Reece Walsh drove an energetic, risk-taking approach, and Australia entered the interval with an 18-point advantage.
