Arabic version: والش يقود أستراليا لتجاوز جزر كوك في تاونسفيل

According to The Guardian, Reece Walsh delivered one try and five try assists as Australia beat the Cook Islands 66-6 in Townsville, securing top spot in Pool A of the men’s Rugby League World Cup. The Kangaroos will face either Samoa or Tonga in next week’s semi-final.

Australia made an early breakthrough after Cook Islands winger Cameron Brown fumbled the opening kick under pressure. Walsh drew in Esan Masters and sent Jack Bostock over in the corner. But the Cook Islands responded when hooker Rua Ngatikaura fooled Pat Carrigan and Liam Martin with a dummy before scoring a converted try.

The Kangaroos regained control through Tom Trbojevic, who finished a right-side move involving Harry Grant and Tom Dearden. A Val Holmes error then gave Australia possession again, with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui scoring their third try. Australia led 28-6 at half-time, although the Cook Islands pressed late in the first half and were stopped by Australian defence.

A six-try burst in the first 20 minutes after the interval ended the contest. Walsh was central to further scores, including Bostock’s second try and Trbojevic’s second, before Trbojevic completed his second hat-trick in as many games and Bostock also claimed three tries. Jacob Preston scored after producing two line breaks, while Harry Grant added a late try from Walsh’s inside ball. Australia made 15 errors, while Trbojevic and Cam Munster both sustained minor ankle injuries but continued.