Holders Australia edge New Zealand 24-22 to open Rugby League World Cup
SYDNEY: Jack Bostock bagged a hat-trick on debut as Australia edged New Zealand 24-22 to kick off their Rugby League World Cup defence with a thrilling victory on Thursday.
Sydney: In a thrilling Rugby League World Cup opener, Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 on Thursday at the Sydney Football Stadium. The 12-time champion Kangaroos, heavy favorites, were pushed to the limit but managed to secure a narrow victory thanks to a hat-trick from Jack Bostock. New Zealand took the lead early when centre Casey McLean scored a sensational try off a high kick.
Despite this early setback, Australia's Bostock intercepted a pass and scored to level the score. With a man in the sin-bin, Australia conceded an early second-half try and struggled before Bostock's four-minute blitz kept them in contention. New Zealand captain James Fisher-Harris praised Australia's resilience, describing the match as "a hell of a battle" and expressing pride in his team's performance.
Unfortunately for New Zealand, star player Kalyn Ponga may miss the rest of the tournament with a possible broken arm.
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- Australia edge New Zealand in epic World Cup opener sports.yahoo.com
- Australia edge New Zealand in epic World Cup opener bbc.co.uk
