Arabic version: أستراليا تكتسح ساموا لتبلغ نهائي كأس العالم

According to BBC News, Australia beat Samoa 44-12 at Sydney Football Stadium to reach a 16th successive men’s Rugby League World Cup final. Australia, winners of the past three world titles, will play New Zealand in Brisbane next Sunday, with kick-off at 08:35 GMT.

Samoa’s pre-match Siva Tau became an intense confrontation, with players moving close to their Australian opponents and some going forehead to forehead. Samoa took an early lead through a Stephen Crichton penalty, but Tom Dearden soon scored after collecting the ball from a scrum and breaking through the line.

Australia built their advantage as Samoa’s discipline proved costly. Jacob Preston scored under the posts after Australia received six again, before Tom Trbojevic crossed for his eighth try of the tournament. Reece Walsh then scored and celebrated with a backflip, while Bradman Best added another try before half-time.

Samoa had a potential Crichton try ruled out after a replay concluded Francis Manuleleua had knocked on, and Spencer Leniu was sin-binned shortly before the break. Crichton later scored after Walsh dropped a bomb, while Izack Tago crossed in the corner with 18 minutes remaining. Walsh responded after both Samoa tries to complete his first international hat-trick, and Bostock scored with eight minutes left as Australia finished with eight tries.

BBC Sport Rugby League journalist Matt Newsum named Preston player of the match, praising his work on Australia’s left edge. Preston scored a try, helped set up Best and repeatedly challenged Samoa’s back rowers, while Harry Grant, Walsh and Samoa captain Crichton were also noted for their performances.